What department is responsible for checking vision

Checking vision can usually be done in ophthalmology, optometry, eye health, or pediatric ophthalmology. Visual impairment may be caused by refractive errors, visual fatigue, cataracts, glaucoma, or fundus lesions. The specific department of treatment should be selected based on age, symptoms, and hospital settings. Ophthalmology: Ophthalmology is the core department that deals with various eye diseases. If vision loss is accompanied by symptoms such as eye pain, redness, photophobia, tearing, or visual field defects, or if there is suspicion of organic lesions such as cataracts, glaucoma, keratitis, or retinal hemorrhage, ophthalmology should be the first choice. Doctors will use devices such as slit lamps and fundus microscopes to examine the structure of the eyeball, identify the cause, and administer medication or surgical treatment. For example, blurred vision in elderly people may be due to cataracts, and the timing of surgery needs to be evaluated in ophthalmology.

2. Optometry:

Optometry mainly focuses on functional vision problems, especially refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. If the main manifestation of visual impairment is difficulty seeing far or near, and there are no other discomforts, it is usually recommended to study optometry. The department will conduct a detailed optometry examination to determine the accurate refractive power, and wear appropriate glasses or contact lenses. For children and adolescents, optometry can also perform dilated refraction to rule out pseudomyopia.

3. Eye Health Care:

Eye health care focuses on the prevention and maintenance of eye health, suitable for routine vision screening or asymptomatic vision loss. For example, if abnormal vision is found during physical examinations organized by schools or units, or if one feels dry or tired eyes leading to fluctuations in vision, they can go to the eye health department for basic examinations. This department will provide guidance on eye hygiene, visual training programs, and screen for potential eye diseases that require referral to a specialist.

4. Pediatric Ophthalmology:

Pediatric ophthalmology specializes in diagnosing and treating visual problems in children under the age of 14. The reasons for the decline in children's vision are complex. In addition to common myopia, it may also be hyperopia, astigmatism, strabismus, or amblyopia. Pediatric ophthalmologists have special skills in evaluating the vision of infants and young children, and can detect congenital cataracts, retinal lesions, and other conditions early through visual screening devices, fundus examinations, and other methods. Early intervention is crucial for the treatment of amblyopia, so it is recommended that parents take their children to the pediatric ophthalmology department for regular check ups.

5. Neurology:

When the decline in vision is not related to the eyeball itself, but is caused by lesions in the optic nerve or brain visual center, it is necessary to consult neurology. For example, if there is a sudden decline in vision or visual field defects, but no abnormalities are found during ophthalmic examination, it may indicate optic neuritis, intracranial tumors, or cerebrovascular diseases. Neurologists will evaluate neural pathways through cranial magnetic resonance imaging, visual field examination, etc., and use medications such as glucocorticoids or treat the underlying disease.

It is recommended to avoid prolonged close eye contact in daily life, and to take a 5-10 minute break with a distant view or closed eyes after every 40 minutes of eye contact. Maintain sufficient sleep, balanced diet, and consume more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A, C, and E such as carrots, broccoli, and blueberries. Regularly undergo vision check ups, at least once a year. If any visual abnormalities are found, seek medical attention promptly. Do not purchase eye drops or randomly pair glasses. Pay attention to eye hygiene, avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands, and wear sunglasses to prevent UV damage during outdoor activities.