eye exams

[lulu68]

Hi,

I'm 41 and have never gotten eye axam. Whats the difference between sears, walmart, and private opthamologist? Is one better or different than the other? Thanks!

 

[spyrosmom]

An opthamologist is an MD, an optometrist is not. Normally at Sears, Walmart, the place in the mall, you'll find an optometrist. Which is just fine as long as your eyes aren't really bad or you have something serious going on. I'm assuming since you're in your 40s and have never been, there is probably no probs, and any vision issues are probably age related. I have had glasses since I was 5 (think Coke-bottle lenses) and my eyes are so bad I have to see an opthamologist. Opthamologists will also do eye surgery. And they are also more expensive, in general. However, because they are an MD your medical ins may cover the visit, but not the glasses. Which can be helpful if you don't have vision ins.

Nan

 

[lulu68]

An opthamologist is an MD, an optometrist is not. Normally at Sears, Walmart, the place in the mall, you'll find an optometrist. Which is just fine as long as your eyes aren't really bad or you have something serious going on. I'm assuming since you're in your 40s and have never been, there is probably no probs, and any vision issues are probably age related. I have had glasses since I was 5 (think Coke-bottle lenses) and my eyes are so bad I have to see an opthamologist. Opthamologists will also do eye surgery. And they are also more expensive, in general. However, because they are an MD your medical ins may cover the visit, but not the glasses. Which can be helpful if you don't have vision ins.

Nan

The reason I'm asking is because last year over night one of my upper eyelids starting drooping. I've always had heavier upper lids, very easily become swollen if I cry, eat lots of salty foods, and when I exercise in humid weather but never had I notice droopy lid. I would like to find out if its something neorological or just plain old aging. I have no vision problems but I do feel tremoundous pressure in the particular eye mostly when I'm stressed.

 

[spyrosmom]

If its a droopy eyelid issue, and not a vision prob, I'd go with the opthamologist, esp bc of the pressure problem. Or even start w/ your GP, but I wouldn't go to the WalMart guy.

Nan

 

[Beavs]

If its a droopy eyelid issue, and not a vision prob, I'd go with the opthamologist, esp bc of the pressure problem. Or even start w/ your GP, but I wouldn't go to the WalMart guy.

Nan

C'mon...the Walmart guy can hook you up with pair of discount sweatpants made by sweatshop labor in China AND fix your car exhaust system to boot!

 

[carres1973]

AND can probably sell some of those luggage tie things to rig the eyelid back up...or at least some toothpicks to prop open!

All kidding aside, I would definitely go to an opthamologist, especially since you are having an issue with your eye.

I think places like WalMart and Sears are fine if you are only going there to pick out some frames or something but for an actual exam, especially your first exam, I think you should go to an opthamologist.

Carrie