If you’ve been noticing symptoms like eye strain, double vision, or trouble focusing, especially when reading or using screens, you might be wondering what kind of eye care provider can help. Should you see an optometrist or an orthoptist? While both play important roles in maintaining eye health, they specialize in different aspects of eye care.
At Baymeadows Vision Center in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer both general and specialized eye care services, including treatment for binocular vision disorders. Dr. Brown, our skilled orthoptist and optometrist, specializes in diagnosing and treating binocular vision disorders, such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus). In this post, we’ll explain the differences between an optometrist and an orthoptist, and when you might need one over the other.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a primary eye care provider who diagnoses and manages a wide range of eye conditions. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and treat common eye issues like dry eye, eye infections, and glaucoma. Optometrists provide routine vision care and early detection and treatment of eye diseases.
At Baymeadows Vision Center, our optometrists in Jacksonville, FL, offer thorough eye exams for patients of all ages, including infants and toddlers. If you’re having trouble seeing or need help managing an eye disease, our team is here to assist you.
What is an orthoptist?
An orthoptist is a specialist who focuses on binocular vision, or how your eyes work together as a team. When your eyes work smoothly together, your brain can create one clear, focused image. However, if your eyes aren’t aligned properly, they send two different images to the brain that are in slightly different positions from each other. This misalignment makes it challenging for the brain to form a clear image, prompting the muscles controlling eye alignment to temporarily correct the issue.
Unfortunately, this correction doesn’t last, leading to a repetitive cycle of misalignment and realignment. This cycle can cause symptoms such as:
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Eye strain & fatigue
- Headaches
- Trouble with reading or focusing
- Difficulty with depth perception
These issues are often caused by binocular vision disorders, such as strabismus or amblyopia. These problems can also be caused by muscle imbalances, nerve defects, or developmental conditions that affect the brain’s ability to control eye movement. If you are experiencing several of the visual symptoms listed above, you may need to see an orthoptist for specialized care.
At Baymeadows Vision Center, Dr. Brown, our experienced orthoptist in Jacksonville, provides advanced care for patients struggling with eye alignment and coordination. Using detailed assessments and non-surgical treatments like orthoptic therapy, Dr. Brown helps patients improve visual comfort and clarity.
Orthoptic therapy: physical therapy for the eyes
Orthoptic therapy is a specialized treatment program designed to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination. Just like physical therapy for your body, this therapy is tailored to your unique needs and may include:
- Eye exercises
- Vision training tools
- Patching techniques
- Prismatic lenses or specialized glasses
This type of therapy is especially beneficial for children, but adults with visual discomfort or neurological conditions (such as stroke, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis) can also see significant improvement.
So, who should you see?
- See an optometrist if you need a routine eye exam, glasses or contact lenses, or treatment for general eye conditions.
- See an orthoptist if you’re experiencing double vision, visual fatigue, trouble focusing, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a binocular vision disorder.
Schedule your appointment today
If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you determine the right type of care based on your symptoms and needs. Schedule an appointment at Baymeadows Vision Center today to explore your options.