Advantages & Disadvantages of an Optometrist

The first trip to an optometrist can be just as nerve-wrecking as it is exciting. There are many advantages and disadvantages to seeing an optometrist, but it is up to you to decide if the benefit outweighs the risk.

Bad News vs. Good News

• Serious eye conditions must be treated or they can result in irreversable disorders.

  One of the most common disadvantage to visiting an optometrist is that you may receive bad news. The severity of eye problems ranges from astigmatism to glaucoma. However, the advantage of going to an optometrist is that if these eye problems are caught in time they are treated easily before they can become more severe.

Contacts or Glasses?

• The good news is that there is a choice when it comes to vision.

  Although no one wants their eyes hidden by glasses or enjoys the maintenance of contacts, the good news is that there is a choice. Many styles of fashionable eyeglasses are available. Eyeglass prescriptions can even be turned into sunglasses. Contacts can provide a change of eye color if the prescription is not too high, which can be extremely fashionable, as well. Glasses or contacts are the cheaper choice, but Lasik surgery also is an option. Your optometrist can provide your correctional eyewear or refer you to a Lasik surgeon if you wish.

Money, Money, Money

• Vision costs are no laughing matter when it comes to expenses, but help is available.

  The cost of eye care is a disadvantage, especially if there no insurance is in place to foot the bill. From eye exams to eyewear, seeing an optometrist costs a significant amount of money. As an advantage, insurance is available in most states that can assist with vision cost if one meets certain criteria. Some places even will help children get free eyeglasses. Many resources are available if one takes the time to look for them.