Do You Need to See an Ophthalmologist?

San Jose, Bay Area, San Francisco, California

TThe question of who needs to see an ophthalmologist comes up rather often. If you have wondered whether you need to see an ophthalmologist you should ask yourself several questions. The ophthalmologists at Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley suggest you start with, “Do you have a medical condition that could affect your eyesight?” Or, “Do you need surgery to correct your vision problem?”

Medicall Conditions That Affect Vision

Since ophthalmologists like Dr. Gary Kawesch are either medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy, they are trained to recognize medical conditions, especially those that affect eye function. More importantly, they are qualified to treat eye diseases and disorders, some of which are caused or worsened by systemic medical conditions.

Systemic diseases that have serious consequences on your eyesight and eye health include diabetes and high blood pressure. Both are common “silent” diseases that do tremendous damage before symptoms appear.

Eye diseases and disorders have many causes and treatments that depend upon the advanced training and skills of the ophthalmologist. If you or a family member has a history of any chronic disease known to affect eyesight or eye function, you should see an ophthalmologist.

Eye Conditions That Require Surgery

Eye disease that cannot be treated medically, often, can be treated surgically. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform surgery, for example, to correct the effects of disease, ptosis, refractive error, or for plastic surgery. Surgical intervention may be appropriate to treat glaucoma, catarcts, keratoconus, trauma and a number of other diseases and disorders.

One of the most common sub-specialties of ophthalmology is refractive error correction using laser technology. LASIK, LASEK, and the many variations of corneal reshaping surgery have become a popular way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

If you are considering any form of eye surgery, you will need to see an ophthalmologist. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Other Ophthalmologic Considerations

Ophthalmologists do routine eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses, but most are so busy with more serious eye care needs that they do not do these unless in conjunction with other treatment. Ophthalmologist care is generally covered under health insurance, but not vision insurance. Eye exams and corrective lenses are usually covered under vision insurance, but not health insurance.

When you need an ophthalmologist to evaluate your laser vision correction needs, please contact Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a personal, no-cost laser surgery consultation in San Francisco, Bay Area or San Jose, California.

1.800.725.0740