Eye Care Health - Monroeville, PA
Chances are that you will experience eye problems at one time or another. Some are minor and will go away on their own. But others will need a specialist’s care - and still others may not be detected without proper, regular evaluations. That’s where we can help. Premier Medical Associates has incorporated eye care into our comprehensive health care model. From basic vision issues to advanced disease management, we are able to help you get your eye health back on track. If you are struggling to see clearly or are concerned about your vision in any way, contact us to schedule a visit that will focus on helping you see as clearly as possible.
Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Baker and our optometrist, Dr. Tolomei see patients at the Forest Hills location. Dr. Baker also performs surgical procedures at the AHN Surgery Center, and the Waterfront Surgery Center.
FAQs on Eye Care & Ophthalmologist Visits:
When Do I Need To See An Eye Doctor?
In general, everyone should visit an eye doctor - or ophthalmologist - on an annual basis. Even if you don’t wear eyeglasses, this annual visit is critical. It will allow your doctor to conduct an advanced eye exam and ensure that your eyes are completely healthy. Note that many eye diseases can only be detected by an ophthalmologist’s equipment, and that these eye diseases often do not present with noticeable symptoms until the disease is very advanced. As a result, keeping this annual appointment is essential in the early diagnosis of many vision issues.
In addition to this annual appointment, you may need to contact your doctor between standing appointments. Always reach out if you experience the following:
- Your eyes become red, dry, or itchy
- You begin seeing spots, flashes of light, or floaters in your field of vision
- You're struggling to see during basic tasks such as driving
- You get motion sick, dizzy, or have trouble following a moving target
- You're experiencing headaches and/or blurred vision on a regular basis, particularly after using a computer
- Your vision changes noticeably, particularly after a traumatic event or injury
Do I Need To See An Eye Doctor In Addition To My Primary Doctor?
Absolutely. Primary care is an important part of your long-term health management and gives medical professionals chances to catch and prevent health problems before they become serious. But primary care offices do not carry the same vision care equipment that eye care offices do. Additionally, an ophthalmologist receives special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of the eyes. This allows them to properly diagnose various eye diseases and vision problems, which a doctor without this background cannot do.
I Hate Dilated Eye Exams! Why Does This Have To Be Part Of My Visit?
If you dislike this particular part of the eye exam, you’re not alone; and we understand that it can be uncomfortable. However, a dilated eye exam helps your doctor conduct their examination. The eye drops used for dilation cause your pupils to widen, allowing in more light and giving your doctor a better view of the back of your eye. This, in turn, helps eye doctors diagnose common diseases and conditions as early as possible. Examples of eye diseases that a dilated eye exam can catch include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
What Are Other Examples Of Eye Diseases An Ophthalmologist Might Diagnose And Treat?
While many people think about blurry vision when they think about eye care, the reality is that there are a number of diseases that can strike even people with 20/20 vision. Eye floaters, dry eyes, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and pinkeye are just a few examples of vision-related illnesses that require an ophthalmologist to step in and provide proper support and care.
Can Vision Improve If I See An Eye Doctor?
It depends. In general, simply seeing an eye doctor will not lead to improvements in vision. And vision problems caused by disease in particular may never be improved upon, and may instead require care focused specifically on preventing any issues from becoming worse. However, some vision problems - such as nearsightedness or farsightedness - may be corrected with vision surgery.
What Should I Expect From A Visit With Your Team?
Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Our years of experience have shown us that many health conditions may affect the eyes, and many ocular conditions may affect overall health as well. With this connection in mind, we’ve incorporated eye care into our comprehensive health care model, with the goal of helping our specialists support you as thoroughly as possible. No matter your reason for visiting with us, we will explain our procedures and goals to you, and communicate your long-term eye care needs clearly before you leave our offices.