Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist vs Optician: The Difference?

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To receive the best in vision care, you need to visit the right type of professional.

When talking about eye care specialists, people sometimes use “ophthalmologist,” “optometrist” and “optician” interchangeably, but these three terms describe distinct professions.

What Opticians Do

An optician is a technician who has trained to fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other corrective devices. Opticians are not licensed to perform eye exams, write prescriptions or treat eye diseases.

What Optometrists Do

An optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.). A Doctor of Optometry usually requires a four-year undergraduate degree in the sciences and four years of post-graduate training at a school of optometry.

Optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams, correct refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) and write prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some optometrists have specialized training to treat low vision problems. Optometrists are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery.

What Ophthalmologists Do

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Ophthalmologists have completed a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight combined years of medical school and residency. Ophthalmologists perform all tasks that optometrists are licensed to do, but they also perform eye surgery as well as treat all types of eye disease.

Some ophthalmologists complete additional training called fellowships to specialize in specific areas of ophthalmology like glaucoma, cornea, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, plastic surgery or pediatrics.

For a comprehensive eye exam and assessment of your vision health, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Annual comprehensive eye exams help keep your vision clear and prevent eye disease. Your ophthalmologist will test your visual acuity, evaluate your current eye prescription and screen you for degenerative eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. 

7 Reasons to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist, Podiatrist

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Even though the majority of people use their feet every day, many put off seeing a foot doctor — also known as a podiatrist — if they have foot pain. Reasons people put off visiting the doctor vary but generally fall into these categories:

  • They believe their foot pain will go away on its own
  • They think the foot issue is not severe enough to warrant seeing a podiatrist
  • They do not recognize common foot problems or know that they can be treated
  • They are worried that they’ll need surgery

If you’re experiencing any of the foot problems below, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

  1. Thick calluses or corns. While these areas of built-up skin aren’t always painful, if they become too large, they can cause pain. Additionally, there might be an underlying condition that’s causing them, like bunions (bony growths under the skin). A podiatrist can properly diagnose you, then offer treatment such as a cortisone injection to reduce pain. He or she can also painlessly remove the dead skin cells.
  2. Heel issues that aren’t going away. If your heels are dry and the skin splits and bleeds, you are at higher risk for infection. Heel pain may also indicate a heel spur, which is another type of abnormal bony growth. Tendonitis can cause heel pain, too. A podiatrist can determine what’s causing the problem and suggest helpful treatments.
  3. An ingrown toenail that’s getting worse. If a toenail is trimmed too short, it can grow into the skin causing pain and possibly infection. People who attempt to care for ingrown toenails themselves often make the problem worse, damaging the nail and the surrounding tissues. A podiatrist can prescribe medication or safely remove part of the nail if needed.
  4. A persistent fungal infection. Athlete’s foot is an itchy and unpleasant condition that can make the skin between toes look scaly. If you’ve tried antifungal treatment at home for more than a couple of weeks, and it’s still not working, see a podiatrist. He or she can check for a bacterial infection and if present, prescribe antibiotics as treatment.
  5. Bunions that are causing discomfort. If you have a bunion, you should see a podiatrist sooner rather than later. Bunions often get worse unless they’re treated. Surgery may be needed, but other options such as a medication or taping may also work.
  6. Chronic joint pain. If your foot or ankle joints are swollen, red, stiff or tender, or it simply hurts when you stand or walk, you could have arthritis or another condition. A podiatrist can properly diagnose you, then offer treatments to reduce joint pain, from medications to minimally invasive procedures to joint surgery or replacement.
  7. Numbness and tingling. People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot problems. These can range from dry skin to infections to a nerve condition (neuropathy). If you’re experiencing foot numbness along with tingling or burning, it could be a sign of neuropathy. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, you should make an appointment with a podiatrist at least once a year.

Some foot problems go away on their own, but others get worse. For this reason, it makes good sense to see a podiatrist early on if you are experiencing foot issues. Because of their focused expertise in issues of the foot and ankle, podiatrists can expertly diagnose conditions, then offer treatments that can help you experience less pain and more enjoyment in your life.

Endocuff Device May Help GI Doctors Find More Colon Polyps

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Mechanics of a Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a GI doctor inserts a flexible tube called a colonoscope into the rectum and extends it to the farthest point in the large intestine known as the cecum. The colonoscope is equipped with a tiny camera that transmits live video to a monitor. As the tube is withdrawn, the doctor examines the colon wall for adenomas and removes suspicious growths.

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the primary indicator of the quality of a colonoscopy procedure because adenoma removal is associated with decreased colon cancer risk. Therefore, any method or device that enhances a physician’s ability to detect polyps or lesions has the potential to lower colon cancer incidence.

The Endocuff was designed to smooth out folds in the colon wall and help maintain colonoscope stability during withdrawal. Another quality measure of an effective colonoscopy is withdrawal time, the number of minutes it takes for a physician to view the colon from cecum to rectum. The Endocuff can help improve withdrawal time by steadying the scope and preventing it from slipping. The flexible arms on the disposable attachment can help anchor the colonoscope to improve visualization and prevent missed adenomas.

In one clinical study, the Endocuff enhanced visualization of the colon and boosted physician ADR by 16 percent. The Endocuff’s ability to stabilize the colonoscope reduced average withdrawal time, suggesting that the cuff can help achieve a more thorough colonoscopy in a shorter amount of time.

Adenoma detection rate has historically been determined by a physician’s skill, experience and imaging technology. Although the Endocuff requires additional testing, this new technology may become a valuable component of endoscopy and may contribute to higher adenoma detection rates.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that people of average risk for colon cancer have a baseline colonoscopy at age 45 instead of 50. If you have not scheduled a colonoscopy or have questions about the procedure, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist today. 

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Eyelid Surgery Can Restore Youthful Appearance

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Blepharoplasty can be medically necessary if excessive tissue around the eyes interferes with your vision, but you may also elect to have cosmetic blepharoplasty to improve your appearance.

Reasons for cosmetic blepharoplasty

An eyelid lift is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic blepharoplasty can rejuvenate your face and restore an energetic and youthful appearance to your eyes. By removing folds of skin around the upper eyelids, your surgeon can restore the natural contour of your eyes making you look years younger.

If you have noticed increasing puffiness or bags under your eyes, you may want to consider cosmetic blepharoplasty to remove fatty deposits from your lower eyelid area. You can also choose to have a lower eyelid lift if your lower lids have begun to sag and expose the white part of your eye underneath the iris.

Questions for your ophthalmologist

If you feel that cosmetic eyelid surgery is right for you, talk with your ophthalmologist at your next comprehensive eye exam. Make a list of questions before your appointment so you can prepare for your conversation. You may want to use a few of these:

  1. Do you perform cosmetic blepharoplasty, or do I need a referral to a plastic surgeon?
  2. Do I have a medical need for an eyelid lift or would my eyelid surgery be cosmetic?
  3. Do I need treatment for one eye or both eyes?
  4. Should I expect my vision to improve after the procedure?
  5. Will insurance cover any portion of my surgery?
  6. What fees should I anticipate when estimating my out-of-pocket expenses?
  7. What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
  8. Will I need to have a second treatment in the near or distant future? (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

PCOS: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Women

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects about 5 to 10 percent of all women. It is also the leading cause of infertility in women — although many people have never heard of it.

PCOS causes the ovaries to produce an excess of “male” hormones called androgens. With PCOS, the ovaries can also grow larger and form small cysts on their outer edges. All this can interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can cause infertility.

It is estimated that about half of women who have PCOS don’t know they have it. Part of the reason it’s hard to recognize and diagnose is because the primary symptoms of PCOS are quite common. They include:

  • Acne
  • Excess facial or body hair
  • Fatigue
  • Missed, irregular or heavy periods
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain

PCOS Can Increase Health Risks

If a woman experiences these symptoms, they can be easy to ignore, since they are often very mild. However, untreated PCOS can lead to increased risk for certain diseases and serious health issues, so it’s important to recognize the symptoms and see a doctor if a woman believes she may have it. Undiagnosed and untreated PCOS can lead to increased risk of:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Uterine cancer (due to irregular periods)

Mental health can also be affected. Early in 2018, a study reported that women with PCOS are more likely to develop mental health disorders. The same study also suggests that women who have it may have a slight increased risk of giving birth to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

Doctors Can Perform Tests and Offer Treatments

No one knows exactly why some women get PCOS and others don’t. But what experts do agree on is that getting diagnosed and treated sooner rather than later is the best way to lower your chances of health problems in the future and to get relief right now.

Because PCOS can be difficult to diagnose and treat, a doctor may perform several tests or refer you to other specialists to get you the help you need. Your doctor may:

  • Perform blood tests to measure your hormone levels
  • Schedule an ultrasound to see if there are cysts on the ovaries
  • Prescribe diabetes medication called metformin that can help control the symptoms of PCOS
  • Prescribing birth control pills to keep hormones balanced and to get your menstrual cycle back on track

What You Can Do on Your Own

Although it is not possible to avoid developing PCOS, some experts recommend a high protein, low carb diet along with weight loss if a woman is obese.

These experts point out that obesity contributes to insulin resistance, which increases androgen, and in turn can worsen the symptoms of PCOS. For some women, even losing 10 pounds could make a significant difference in reducing or eliminating PCOS symptoms. Additionally, if a woman who is obese is having problems getting pregnant, the weight loss could help increase the chance of pregnancy.

Finally, if you think you, your daughter or another family member or friend may have PCOS, it’s better to seek out expert advice from a doctor sooner rather than later. You’ll feel better, and you’ll be proactively taking steps to stay as healthy as possible as you move towards the future.

For More Information, visit PCOS Awareness Association.

Withdrawal Time, Cecal Intubation Rate Matters for Quality Colonoscopy

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Colonoscopy is the most effective screening for colon cancer because it allows a gastroenterologist to examine your entire colon for precancerous polyps called adenomas. All adenomas are benign in their initial stages, but some benign adenomas can become malignant if a GI doctor does not remove them during a colonoscopy.
 

Adenoma Detection Rate: The Primary Quality Colonoscopy Indicator

The best indicator for a quality colonoscopy is adenoma detection rate (ADR), which measures your gastroenterologist’s effectiveness in detecting adenomas in screening colonoscopies. Two other indicators for a quality colonoscopy are withdrawal time and cecal intubation rate.

Withdrawal Time

The goal of a colonoscopy is to view the entire colon from the rectum to cecum. If you have done a thorough bowel preparation, your gastroenterologist should be able to advance the colonoscope all the way to the cecum, near your appendix. Withdrawal time refers to the number of minutes your GI doctor spends inspecting your colon wall for adenomatous polyps. This quality indicator is always expressed in minutes.

You should expect your gastroenterologist to have an average withdrawal time of at least six minutes. Longer withdrawal times often reflect that your physician is especially meticulous and methodical in performing a colonoscopy, which usually produces a higher adenoma detection rate.

Cecal Intubation Rate

The percentage of success in which a gastroenterologist advances the colonoscope to the cecum in his or her patients is called cecal intubation rate. This indicator is always expressed as a percentage. The national standard for cecal intubation is 90 percent, but you should expect your gastroenterologist to have a higher cecal intubation rate. A high cecal intubation rate means your specialist takes time to fully insert the colonoscope to detect any precancerous polyps or lesions.

The quality of your bowel preparation affects your gastroenterologist’s cecal intubation rate. An incomplete bowel flush can impact a doctor’s ability to view the cecum and provide a complete visual inspection. Patients who do not follow instructions in the bowel preparation literature put themselves at increased risk for expensive re-testing or missed polyps.

A colonoscopy is an important component of preventative healthcare. Use quality indicators like ADR, withdrawal time and cecal intubation rate as criteria for selecting a gastroenterologist. It’s likely that you won’t have another colonoscopy for ten years, so make an informed decision when choosing your partner in colon cancer prevention. 

 

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Tennessee’s Colon Cancer Rate Exceeds US Average

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Colon cancer is a preventable disease, but it continues to be a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. About one in every five Americans will develop colon cancer and about one in every 25 Americans will die from the disease. Although most new cases of colon cancer occur in those who are 50 and older, no age is too young to develop colon cancer.

Colon cancer incidence and mortality rates are slightly higher in Tennessee than the national average, so this means that, as a Tennessean, you have an increased risk for colon disease. The higher incidence in our state is mostly due to lifestyle risk factors like food choices, activity level and unhealthy habits.

Five Perks of Wearing Polarized Sunglasses

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When you’re shopping for a pair of new sunglasses, you might notice certain brands or styles have polarized lenses. Have you ever wondered what advantages polarized lenses offer? Here are five facts you may not know about polarized lenses.

  1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed polarized lenses after studying eagle vision. Eagles’ eyes contain a natural oil that prevents light from scattering.
  2. Polarized lenses were designed to mimic eagle vision. The lenses reduce glare from sunlight that reflects off shiny or smooth surfaces like water, glass, chrome or asphalt (VisionSource.com).
  3. Polarized lenses don’t block UVA or UVB rays. Some polarized lenses, but not all, offer UVA and UVB protection. Read stickers and labels carefully.
  4. Polarized lenses can help increase eye comfort during activities like driving, skiing, boating and fishing (AAO).
  5. Polarized lenses might help you see better, but they shouldn’t be considered “healthier” for your vision.

If you live an active lifestyle and participate in outdoor sports, you may find that polarized lenses help reduce squinting and cut down on eye strain. But the most important feature to look for in a new pair of sunglasses is 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Proper eye protection will delay degenerative eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

If it has been over a year since your last comprehensive eye exam, make an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist. Click here to be connected with one of our vision experts.

Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions and More

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With a change of seasons often comes a change of footwear — and when that season is summer, one of the most popular choices is sandals. While sandals can be cool, freeing and fashionable, they can also cause foot pain and even injure your feet if you don’t choose the right type.

So what makes for a “good” pair of sandals? As a general rule, they should have these three characteristics:

  1. A supportive sole
  2. Straps
  3. Some type of back

While these guidelines clearly rule out flip-flops, it still can be hard to know exactly what type of sandals is best for you. Here are more features to look for:

  • “Bump” in the insole: Look for a small raised “bump” in the center of the insole which is designed to provide arch support. Sandals that have it will keep your foot better aligned, and there will be less chance of it pronating (rolling inward) or supinating (rolling outward).
  • Thick sole: When a sandal is too thin and flat, there is little protection of the heel and arch, which can result in foot pain over time. Keep in mind that when it comes to soles, a bit of heel height can be a good thing, although they should be short, chunky heels, not high-heel styles.
  • Thick straps: If you’re looking for a new pair of sandals, try on styles with thick straps first — and the more straps the better, since they offer more support. Also, choose sandals that have back or ankle straps for optimal support.
  • No gripping required: In a slide, flip-flop or any other open sandal, your toes must grip the sole to keep it from sliding off your foot. This can cause foot and toe pain, so avoid styles that require you to “grip” with your toes.

Best Sandals for Foot Conditions

Just because you’re dealing with a foot problem doesn’t mean you need to avoid sandals. Here are some tips if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Bunions: Look for styles that allow your foot to breathe and provide as little covering as possible. Consider a toe post style that has ankle and back straps that offer a good fit while leaving the bunion alone.
  • Plantar fasciitis: Choose sandals with a snug foot strap and a deep heel cup, which will help provide stability.
  • Mallet toe or hammerhead toe: Choose open-toe styles that do not have an upper surface to rub against. Just make sure to choose sandals that also offer good overall support.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: Open sandals can be useful if you have neuropathy because they help encourage good blood and air circulation. Try to avoid seams on the interior, since the friction can cause foot pain. If you choose a closed design, make sure the upper does not bind your foot in any way.

A final tip: Always try sandals on before buying them and don’t ignore warning signs — if your feet don’t feel comfortable the first time you put them on, chances are they won’t later either. If you’re buying sandals online, consider buying from a source that offers free return shipping, so you can return them if they don’t feel right.

Finally, keep in mind that an orthopedist, podiatrist or doctor can make you custom sandals using a mold of your foot. A custom sandal may be the best option if you are having a hard time finding a design that looks good, feels right and offers the proper support.