What Does the Term Ophthalmologist Mean, and When Should You Visit One? - #15953

I recently had an eye exam, and the doctor mentioned that I should visit an ophthalmologist for more specialized care. I’m not entirely sure what distinguishes an ophthalmologist from an optometrist or an optician, so I’m wondering—what exactly does the term ophthalmologist mean, and when should someone see one? From what I understand, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and conditions, including performing eye surgeries. But how is this different from an optometrist, who also performs eye exams and prescribes glasses? When should I see an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist—does it have to be for more serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal diseases? I also read that ophthalmologists can prescribe medications for eye infections and manage conditions like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. What kind of treatments and procedures do they perform—can they treat conditions like eye floaters, dry eyes, or blurry vision, or is surgery often required for more advanced issues? Since I prefer natural health approaches, I looked into Ayurveda’s perspective on eye health. Are there Ayurvedic herbs, exercises, or dietary changes that can help improve vision and prevent eye diseases? I found that Triphala, Amla, and eye exercises are often recommended—do these help in supporting eye health and preventing conditions like cataracts? For those who have seen an ophthalmologist, what was your experience like? Did you find that specialized care improved your eye health, and what treatments or advice did your ophthalmologist provide? I’d love to hear real insights on seeing an ophthalmologist and managing eye health.