Optometry - MedFriendly.com

Optometry is the science that deals with assessing,

diagnosing, treating, and managing the eye and related

structures for visual difficulties (such as

nearsightedness of farsightedness) and eye disorders

(such as cataracts). Cataracts is a darkening of the

lens in the eye. The lens is an organ located between

the colored part of the eye, that bends light as it enters

the eye.

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Optometry is also concerned with vision testing, vision training, eye exercises, and the

prescription of corrective devices such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, all for the

purpose of making someone's vision the best it can possibly be. Someone who studies

and practices optometry is known as an optometrist. Click the next link to see the

difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Optometrists and

ophthalmologists often work together to treat and manage patients.

Both of these professionals are different from opticians, who dispenses (and sometimes

construct) corrective eye wear (e.g., eyeglasses). Optometry also refers to the use of an

optometer, which is a device that measures the path that light takes when it enters the

eye.

Optometry comes from the Greek word "optikos" meaning "sight," and the Greek word

"metron" meaning "measure." Put the two words together and you have "measure sight."