Comprehensive Ophthalmology

What is comprehensive ophthalmology?

Comprehensive ophthalmology incorporates general and advanced treatments for maintaining eye health and protecting your vision. 

The comprehensive ophthalmologists at Diablo Eye Associates are medical doctors with extensive training in the medical and surgical management of the eyes. They’re the ideal providers to look after your eyes throughout your lifetime. 

How does comprehensive ophthalmology differ from optometry?

Because they’re medical doctors, comprehensive ophthalmologists often focus mainly on eye health, including structural issues, functional issues, and eye diseases. 

Comprehensive ophthalmologists often work hand-in-hand with optometrists. The optometrists perform eye exams, prescribe glasses, perform contact lens fittings, diagnose eye diseases, and provide other basic, noninvasive eye care like dry and red eye treatment. 

Only an ophthalmologist can perform more advanced medical care, such as injections to treat macular degeneration, cataract removal surgery, treatment of diabetic retinopathy, or refractive surgery.  

How often should I schedule comprehensive ophthalmology appointments? 

Everyone, children and adults included, should have a comprehensive eye exam yearly (possibly more often, depending on your needs). Diablo Eye Associates can discuss your situation and help you determine whether you need to see a comprehensive ophthalmologist or an optometrist for your annual eye exams. 

Most people see an optometrist for their comprehensive eye exams. But, if an issue arises beyond their scope of practice, your optometrist can immediately refer you to a comprehensive ophthalmologist on the team. 

Annual eye exams are so important because they’re a good time to keep track of any changes in your eye health. Your eye exam may give you an early warning about eye disease, allowing you to get vision-saving treatment as early as possible. 

Yearly eye exams are also important for your vision, now and in the long term. More than 150 million Americans have a refractive error, which includes:

• Myopia — nearsightedness
• Hyperopia — farsightedness
• Astigmatism — elongated eyes, causing fuzzy vision

Uncorrected refractive errors are the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide, but you can fix refractive errors with glasses or contacts in most cases. So, annual eye exams can save your eye health and vision. 

Comprehensive ophthalmology services at Diablo Eye Associates can help you take control of your eye health and ensure that your vision stays sharp. Call the office or click on the provided online scheduling feature to set up your eye exam today.