“How often should I see an ophthalmologist?”
It seems like every time you have some type of health question, no matter how small, as soon as you seek advice you’re told: “go see your doctor”. Even if you are asking a friend, the internet or anyone else. So, when should you see a doctor? If you went every time you experienced an ache and pain, you’d be going every week it seems. And which doctor should you see?
For anything eye-related, you should see a board-certified ophthalmologist or optometrist. An ophthalmologist is a total comprehensive eye doctor from eye exams to glasses, surgery to corrective care. If you’re wondering about when to see an ophthalmologist, here are some tips from the SightTrust Eye Institute for residents of Miami, Palm Beach, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise FL, and Weston.
- Check-ups – if you do not have a history of sight or vision problems, you’re recommended for once in your 20’s, twice in your 30’s, and every other year in your 40’s. Once you hit your 60’s it’s best to go every year as this may be the time when vision problems appear and it’s best to catch them early. However, if you have family history of vision problems, you’ll want to go more often. This includes glaucoma, macular degeneration or corneal disease. You can discuss the appropriate schedule when you see Dr. Shatz at the SightTrust Eye Institute.
- Event-driven – if you find your vision has changed or you are suddenly having trouble, you should call the SightTrust Eye Institute immediately. This can include, but is not limited to –
- Trouble focusing, fogginess or more
- New “floaters” or “strings”
- Curtain or veil blocking vision
- Halos (colored circles around lights)
- Eye pain or redness, even around the eye area
- Discharge or tearing
- Bulging or crossed eyes
- Double vision
When you go to your appointment, you’ll be able to discuss both your and your family’s eye history. You’ll also get ways to monitor your eye health as well as steps to take to prevent or reduce risks of eye diseases. Be sure to bring any glasses or contact lenses you wear as well as a full list of your medications, allergies and other health issues. Dr. Shatz is the premier ophthalmologist for South Florida including Miami, Palm Beach, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise FL, and Weston.
Dr. Shatz, the ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon of SightTrust Eye Institute, has performed over 22,000 cataract surgeries including many laser cataract surgeries. We invite you to come for an exam from Dr. Shatz to see what the best option is to restore your vision or for regular eye check-ups.
