Ophthalmology Specialist in Brooklyn Says Don’t Wait for the Blurred Lines
Squinting at the menu in Park Slope? “I’m just tired,” you may think. But in a city that moves as fast as Brooklyn, your vision cannot afford being on the backburner. True, you don’t realize how much you rely on your eyes until they start to fail you. At Be Well Primary Care Center, the ophthalmology specialist team are here to explain when it’s time to pay them a visit.
What Does an Ophthalmology Specialist Do? Ophthalmology Specialist vs. Optometrist
Your optometrist is like your primary care for your eyes: great for glasses and routine checkups. An ophthalmology specialist is there for the big shifts; they are MDs who handle surgery, chronic diseases, and eye trauma.
How Is Sight Evaluated?
If you absolutely had to choose, which of your five senses would you least like to lose? Based on a survey, the vast majority of Americans, more than 80%, would keep their sight above all else. So, why don’t more of us get regular eye exams?
A typical eyesight examination begins with a short conversation. Your provider will ask about family eyesight history, whether you have any chronic conditions, and if you have felt any specific symptoms.
Then comes the Snellen Chart, the classic chart crowned with the big “E”. This measures your visual acuity (how sharp it is at a distance).
After that, comes the refraction test (photo). During the test, the ophthalmology specialist uses a device called the phoropter. He or she flops different lenses in front of your eyes to determine the exact prescription. Once you have a diagnosis, it is important to follow up yearly, as your sight might deteriorate and if left untreated, it will do so more quickly.
After the refraction test comes the microscope. Although it is a bit uncomfortable, it is fairly quick and it allows the doctor to check your eyelids, cornea, and iris for scratches or infections. At the same time, they can look at the lens for signs of cataracts.
A very important part of the comprehensive check is glaucoma screening. High intraocular pressure can cause glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness for people over 60.
In some cases, your provider will order a retinal exam, where the back of your eye is checked. The doctor uses special drops that dilate your pupils and lets the professional see your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. Thanks to dilation, ophthalmology specialists can detect retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
When Should I Visit an Ophthalmology Specialist?
Below is a list of gentle reminders to book an appointment:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Vision loss—are you squinting more often than before?
- New or increased flashes.
- You feel a “curtain” over your vision.
- Persistent eye pain or redness.
- Eye injuries, trauma or chemical splashes.
- Abrupt appearance of red, painful or discharging eyes.
- Recurring headaches.
- Severe eye pain with vomiting.
- Difficulty using contact lenses.
- A family history of eye diseases.
- Diabetes or hypertension.
🥼 Learn more: Ophthalmology and Optometrist Specialist in Brooklyn, NY
10 Tips for Healthy Vision
Be Well Primary Care Center’s team of Ophthalmology specialists in Brooklyn are sharing their best advice on how to maintain your eyesight:
- Practice proper hygiene if you’re wearing contact lenses.
- The 20-20-20 Rule: If you’re staring at a laptop in a Williamsburg coffee shop all day, look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
- Know Your History: Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration often run in families. If your parents had it, you need to be screened early.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
- Make sure you’re working or studying with proper lighting and ergonomics.
- Eat eye healthy food, rich in vitamins A, C and E (leafy, greens and fish).
- Watch the Sugar: High blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. Proper diet isn’t just for your waistline; it’s for your sight.
- Avoid smoking. It’s one of the fastest ways to develop age-related vision loss.
- Stay active and hydrated.
- Get regular checkups.
FAQ
Do I need a referral to see an Ophthalmology Specialist?
Usually, no. You can book directly with us if you’re experiencing vision issues or have a chronic condition like diabetes.
What if my eyes are just red?
If it’s red and it hurts, or if your vision is blurry, it’s an emergency. If it’s just itchy, it might be allergies—but it’s always safer to let a specialist take a look.
How long does an exam take?
Most comprehensive exams take about 30 to 60 minutes. Efficiency is key because your time in the city is valuable.
Where to Find an Ophtalmology Specialist in Brooklyn?
Don’t let the fast pace of life (and the colored train lines) in Brooklyn put your eyesight on hold. The best way to keep those glasses and drops away is to book a consultation with an ophthalmology specialist. Be Well Primary Care Center welcomes new patients and is open to the Brooklyn community with its locations in Flatbush and Bedford-Stuyvesant.