Eye Doctors…Black Spots and Flashes?
Question by Jena: Eye Doctors…Black Spots and Flashes?
My mom told me two days ago that she’s been seeing a few black spots in her vision floating with her eye movements. Also, some bright flashes when moving eyes from side to side (peripheral). I am trying to have her see an eye doctor immediately, but I am wondering if we should go see a doctor that does glasses and contacts. They are also listed as an optometrist but do they really qualify to exam my mom? We rather go see a doctor who specializes in vision and examination only. We feel that those doctors at glasses/contact stores are good at getting the prescription, but not finding out what is wrong with my mom’s eyes. Please let me know how I can find them in Denver, Colorado and if it is okay to visit a doctor from Lenscraft,..etc.
Best answer:
Answer by TEK33
At this point it would be best to consult an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor relating to the treatment of the eyes. They do exams as well as surgery and if you saw an optometrist, they would likely refer you to one anyway. Look in the phone book under physicians and surgeons, or google ophthalmologists in your area. Just have her seen as soon as possible just in case there is a problem going on that needs attention urgently.
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She may be having a retinal detachment which requires immediate attention or she may be having a posterior vitreous detachment which just needs to be monitored. If she is having a retinal detachment, it will need to be treated by a retina specialist, not a general ophthalmologist. Both optometrists and general ophthalmologists are trained to tell the difference. Major medical insurance will cover this visit at either doctor. You may be able to get in to see an optometrist sooner than an ophthalmologist. I would have more confidence that an optometrist in private practice will take the time necessary to deal this situation than a doctor associated with a chain An optometrist may explain the situation better to your mother. Appropriate tests will be a dilated eye exam and or Optos imaging.
I would see an ophthalmologist (MD). A lens crafters doctor is not going to cut it. The best thing to do is google it etc..