2.4.2. Visual Perception Eye Careers and Exams

Eye Careers Optometrist ~$105,000/year Employment outlook GOOD B.S. and then Doctor of Optometry Program (another 4 years) See patients all day, usually in small office— give eye exams and prescribe glasses, may refer people to ophthalmologist

Eye Careers ~$297,000/year Medical doctors with a specialty in eyes Ophthalmologist ~$297,000/year Medical doctors with a specialty in eyes See patients for complicated eye disorders and PERFORM SURGERY

What is glaucoma? Excess pressure due to aqueous humor not draining properly (cause unknown) Damages optic nerve☹

Refraction Assessment Done to determine prescription for lenses Doctor switches lenses until the best lens is found

Slit Lamp Examination Done to look at all eye structures (pupils must be dilated first) Helps check for: Infection of or injury to cornea Cataracts, conjunctivitis, iritis, gluacoma, macular degeneration To check for metal fragments To detect eye problems from diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Examination of back of eye using bright light (pupil widened 1st) Done to check for retinal detachment or glaucoma May be done if you have symptoms of a disorder that can cause eye problems (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, etc)

Applanation Tonometry Measures the intraocular pressure by determining how much force it takes to flatten the cornea Used to check for glaucoma