One of the most dreaded eye prescriptions is glasses. Most people wearing glasses try to find alternatives to them, as they can be cumbersome and require too much effort to maintain. Eye health and related conditions are a burning topic in Australia, with more than 50% (54%) of Aussies suffering some long-term eye condition.
An eye specialist in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and other parts of Australia face a rising demand. Ophthalmologists, opticians, and optometrists are the primary eye specialists, and they conduct a variety of tests to diagnose eye health problems. While they are the professionals who prescribe glasses, they are also the ones who can help people find alternatives to spectacles.
Eye stressors in the environment are rising and lead to more people suffering from eye health problems. These stressors could cause damage to the eyes, which may require extensive corrective procedures. It is better to check any eye-related issues earlier on to ensure minimal damage. People should visit eye specialists regularly to maintain their eyes in prie health.
The Eye Specialists: Ophthalmologists, Optometrist and Opticians
The three primary eye specialists cover all ranges of eye care from medical to cosmetology. An ophthalmologist is an actual doctor who diagnoses eye problems based on test results and other procedures. They are the only medical professionals qualified to prescribe medicine and glasses, and people should ensure they get their prescriptions only from certified ophthalmologists.
An optometrist is a professional technician who can administer the various tests necessary to diagnose eye health issues. They receive specialised training in the handling of the various equipment used for this testing. They compile the results into reports, which help ophthalmologists make their diagnoses.
An optician is a skilled professional in making and fitting prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids. They have the necessary skill and training to manufacture and adjust prescription spectacles for people. Opticians work both at spectacle brands and in outlets selling prescription glasses and frames. They are the only professionals who can make appropriate visual aids depending on the prescription and diagnosis of the ophthalmologist. These three medical health professionals work together to provide quality eye care for people in Australia.
FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO GLASSES
Most people try to avoid wearing glasses for aesthetic reasons, but they may not want them for practical reasons. There are several alternatives people can choose from to replace their spectacles.
Contact Lenses
The primary and effortless alternative to spectacles is lenses. People can find lenses in a range of powers, choosing the one fitting their prescription. Contact lenses also come in varying colours for those wanting to change their eye colour.
LASIK
People who want a permanent fix from glasses can opt for laser eye surgery that corrects their eye power. These surgeries use lasers to correct the cornea and can also be quite expensive.
Ortho-K
Another permanent solution is orthokeratology, which uses specialised ortho lenses that correct the power over time. This treatment requires people to wear special lenses while they sleep, and regular wear helps fix their eye power.
Implant Lenses
Implant lenses last longer than regular lenses and require surgery to implant the lenses directly onto the eyes. People can effortlessly maintain them in comparison to contact lenses.
More than 95% of Australians above 55 years of age have a long-term eye health issue. Studies show eye health deteriorates with age, and people should focus on eye care from a young age. One primary treatment for eye issues is spectacles or glasses. But people should consult with an eye specialist in Sydney or their locality before opting for a specific treatment.
There are other treatment options available, like eye therapy or PRK.
Author: Alison Lurie