Ophthalmologists are physicians who have received specialized training in caring for and treating patients’ eyes. They treat and diagnose eye diseases, provide vision testing, prescribe eyeglasses, and recommend patients for surgery when it is appropriate. Patients who have never visited an Ophthalmologist in Murrieta CA may be interested in learning a little bit more about the tools of the trade, several of the most common of which are described in detail below.
Ophthalmoscopes are hand-held devices these specialists use to examine the interior of their patients’ eyes. They feature a rotating disc of lenses that allow ophthalmologists to view the interior of the eye at a variety of different magnifications and are used in conjunction with a light source and a concave mirror. These tools are used to examine a patient’s cornea, retina, lens, vitreous, and aqueous.
Eye Charts and Phoropters
Just about every Ophthalmologist in Murrieta CA has an eye chart in his or her office, with the Snellen eye chart leading the pack as far as popularity goes. These allow doctors to measure visual acuity, letting them know if their patients have trouble with their distance vision. Phoropters, which are large devices with rotating lenses, are typically used in conjunction with eye charts to help determine what lens strength a patient will require to see clearly.
Retinoscopes and Lenses
Retinoscopes are used to focus a beam of light directly on the patient’s retina. By moving it around horizontally and vertically, the physician can observe how the retina is moving to evaluate its condition. The lenses of the retinoscope can be changed out until the patient’s eye movement stops, allowing ophthalmologists to determine the lens power that will offer the most clearly defined image.
Learn More Today
Interested in learning more about the diagnostic equipment and other tools used by ophthalmologists and the diverse services they provide? Get more information about ophthalmologists and other professionals who specialize in offering eye care online or call to schedule an appointment with a specialist today to get started. Many ocular diseases and disorders are much easier to treat early on than they are later in their progression, so there’s no sense in wasting time.
