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When Should I See an Ophthalmologist in Tampa for My Vision?

Opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists are all eye care professionals capable of providing patients with an assortment of valuable services, but only an ophthalmologist in Tampa can perform surgery on glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases.

When your vision blurs and your sight wanes, know that the experienced ophthalmologists at Florida Eye Center are here to assist you. We offer the medical and surgical care that other eye professionals can’t. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described below, consider seeing the team of board-certified ophthalmologists at Florida Eye Center. 

What Conditions Are Treated By an Ophthalmologist? 

Simply put, an ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye care. Like any medical specialist, an ophthalmologist must undergo advanced medical training in order to become a licensed specialist, often devoting over a decade to the study of eye disorders and diseases. This training allows them to accurately diagnose and treat a wide variety of eye issues. At Florida Eye Center, our doctors specialize in treating two of the most common eye diseases that can result in blindness: cataracts and glaucoma. 

Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, a structure that helps produce sharp images. People with cataracts experience clouded vision, vision loss, double vision, and light sensitivity. Living with cataracts can feel like looking at the world through a dirty window. This condition can result from aging, or it can occur earlier in life from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, ocular inflammation, or ocular trauma. 

When to see an eye doctor for cataracts: You should see an ophthalmologist if you notice any changes to your vision, especially changes that appear suddenly. Be on the lookout for telltale signs of cataracts: clouded vision and seeing a “halo” around lights. 

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is actually a group of diseases resulting from an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye. Unlike cataracts, you may not notice the effects of glaucoma until it is already in its late stages, as evidenced by the nickname “sneak thief of sight.” However, there are occasions when glaucoma emerges suddenly and painfully. Knowing when to see an ophthalmologist is crucial for quickly relieving the pressure and preventing optic nerve damage. 

When to see an eye doctor for glaucoma: Consult an eye doctor if you experience blind spots in your vision or tunnel vision, the classic signs of glaucoma. However, if you are experiencing blurred vision, eye pain, severe headaches, and nausea and vomiting, it is imperative that you seek emergency services or the assistance of an ophthalmologist before the damage becomes irreversible. 

When to See a Retina Specialist in Tampa 

As mentioned, an ophthalmologist must undergo years of training in order to become a specialist. However, an ophthalmologist can undergo further training and gain a subspecialty. Our very own Sejal Shah, M.D., has a subspecialty in retinal diseases, and as a result of being a retina specialist in Tampa, she is capable of diagnosing and treating the following conditions: 

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration  
  • Diabetic Retinopathy 
  • Venous Occlusive Disease
  • Peripheral Retinal Pathology 

When to see an eye doctor for retinal disease: Like with glaucoma and cataracts, you should consult an ophthalmologist if you notice any changes to your vision, especially if you are seeing flashes or spots in your vision. These changes can be benign, or they can be a sign of something more serious. 

Trust the Ophthalmologists at Florida Eye Center 

All of the above conditions and diseases can impair your vision and result in irreversible damage if left untreated; however, they all have something else in common: they can be diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist in Tampa. At Florida Eye Center, we offer first-rate ophthalmology services as well as routine eye care and examinations. When in search of an eye center, why not choose one that can do it all? 

To schedule an appointment with a retina specialist in Tampa from the Florida Eye Center, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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