CFS – Vision and Eye Problems

Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia have eye problems. Patients complain of blurred vision, eye pain and strain, and a constant battle with eye infections. These eye problems can be uncomfortable, disturbing, and sometimes frightening when vision is affected.

According to the National Consumers League (NCL) people are confused about the differences between eye care providers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians). Understanding the differences is especially important when there is an outbreak of rare eye infections, as we are experiencing now across the US, and with an aging population-according to health experts, approximately 140 million Americans will have vision problems over the next 20 years.

Background
1. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who deliver total eye care services, diagnose and treat eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery.
2. Optometrists examine the eye to diagnose vision problems and abnormalities, and prescribe glasses, contact lenses and some medications.
3. Opticians dispense and fit contact lenses and glasses.

The NCL survey found that one-third of the people polled incorrectly thought optometrists have earned medical degrees. Similarly, nearly half thought an optometrist had to be board certified, when, in fact, only a license is required.

The survey can be found on the NCL website along with more information as to where people can go to learn about the various members of the eye care team, their training and the services they can provide.

Press Release
Produced for the AAO
FOR STORY INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Julia Heath, 212-812-7097

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