Best Ophthalmologists in Downtown Brooklyn, NY

Ophthalmology and optometry both deal with medical issues related to your eyes. An ophthalmologist specializes in the physiology of your eyes, whereas an optometrist focuses on eye function. Pediatric ophthalmology helps children with eye troubles. Most people start with an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist, but ophthalmologists are called in to handle more complex eye diseases. Visit a pediatric ophthalmologist if your children have eye problems.

Note: Ophthalmologists at Century Medical and Dental Center located in Downtown Brooklyn, Flatbush, Gravesend Fort Greene, and Midtown Manhattan locations are accepting all major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, HIP, Emblemhealth, GHI, MetroPlus, Fidelis. Our top-rated specialists provide a full range of medical procedures and are among the best eye doctors in the region.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine focused on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eyeball and its orbit. Unlike primary care doctors, an ophthalmologist specializes in eye diseases. With so many eye disorders, eye doctors must have an extensive background in treating all eye-related issues.

Ophthalmologists are the only medical professionals trained to treat the following eye disorders:

• Glaucoma;
• Cataracts;
• Macular degeneration;
• Corneal transplants;
• Eyelid diseases;
• Cancer anywhere in the eye, from the vitreous inside the eye to the retina.

Our Ophthalmologists

★★★★★

David Soltanpour, MD

Ophthalmologist

Brooklyn & Manhattan

Gravesend, Myrtle

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★★★★★

Ezra Cohen, OD

Optometrist

Brooklyn & Manhattan

Gravesend

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★★★★★

Dhekaa Almuntaser, OD

Optometrist

Brooklyn

Myrtle Ave, Manhattan

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When to Consult an Ophthalmologist

When you notice a change in your vision, consult an ophthalmologist. Having your eyesight tested regularly protects you against wide-ranging issues that cause sight loss. Reduced vision is sometimes due to natural aging, but other causes signal a more serious problem.

Risk factors for losing your eyesight include:

• A side effect of a vision problem often appears in the form of a headache. It typically occurs along with blurred vision.
• Decreased vision. A gradual loss of sight is caused by aging, macular degeneration, or other eye-related diseases.
• Red-eye. Swollen or dilated blood vessels on the sclera cause red-eye. You may also experience eye itching, pain, blurred vision, or eye discharge.
• High blood pressure. Hypertension damages the blood vessels in your retina, causing an inability to focus.
• Corneal Ulcer. Painful, open sores that develop on the front surface of your eye cause vision loss and even blindness.
• Double vision. This phenomenon occurs when your eyes can’t focus properly.
• Family history. If your family has a history of eye disease, you have a higher likelihood of contracting it.
• Loss of peripheral vision. Your eyes can have strokes or occlusions that limit blood flow, affecting your peripheral vision.
• As your body’s immune system is increasingly attacked, your eyes may develop cotton-wool spots, broken blood vessels, detached retinas, blind spots, and eye infections.
• As you age, the vitreous inside your eye becomes more liquid. This liquid clumps over time, causing small shadows on your retina.
• Eyelid disorders. Signs of an eyelid disorder include inflammation, twitching, drooping, paralysis, and abnormal growths.
• Increased levels of glucose enter your lens, causing blurred vision.

Signs Your Child Needs Pediatric Ophthalmology

Pediatric ophthalmology is safe for your child. Contact your local pediatric ophthalmology specialist immediately if your child experiences any serious sight problems, including:

• Amblyopia or lazy eye;
• Cataract issues;
• Conjunctivitis or pink eye;
• Tearing in the eyes caused by blocked tear ducts;
• Astigmatism;
• Cortical visual impairment;
• Any other eye problems.

If your newborn is premature or has a family history of eye problems, let an eye specialist examine the infant between the ages of six months and one year. Preschoolers should be tested during their third year. Once your children reach school age, have their eyes checked at the first sign of a problem.

Optometry Is a Different Field

Optometry is the branch of medicine that involves eye examinations and related visual systems for the diagnosis and management of eye disease. Optometrists may recommend visual field testing during your visit to determine the entire horizontal and vertical range, as well as the sensitivity of your vision. These ranges provide a foundation that can be used to diagnose any changes to your visual field in future visits.

An optometrist can run numerous tests of your eyes to uncover problems. Visual acuity tests involve close and far vision, refraction, and dilation. The external examination includes an inspection of your cornea, eyelids, eyelashes, pupils, and lacrimal system or tear ducts.

Visiting an Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist

Optometrists are eye doctors who have earned their Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Optometrists examine your eyes for health and vision problems and work to fix refractive issues. Refractive issues happen when light entering through the lens of your eye doesn’t bend correctly. Optometrists can also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) who specialize in caring for the eyes and vision. They are trained in eye exams, identifying and treating disease, prescribing medication, and performing eye surgery. Ophthalmology specialists can also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, but they often deal with disease diagnosis and treatment.

If you’ve been experiencing any unusual symptoms, contact an optometrist or ophthalmologist for help. Some vision loss is irreversible, but your quality of life does not have to suffer due to eye problems.