Question

"While playing tennis, Ms. Brown is hit in the eye with a ball and experiences pain and swelling. Whom should she call for an appointment?

A) Ophthalmologist
B) Optician
C) Optometrist
D) Any of the above

Answer 1

Ms. Brown should call an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specialized in eye care, as optometrists and opticians are not equipped to treat serious eye injuries. Meningitis can cause pressure on the optic nerve due to inflammation and swelling, affecting vision.

Step-by-step explanation:

After being hit in the eye with a tennis ball and experiencing pain and swelling, Ms. Brown should call an ophthalmologist for an appointment. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care, including the diagnosis and treatment of eye injuries and diseases. Optometrists also provide eye care, including vision tests and prescribing corrective lenses, but an ophthalmologist's training allows them to handle more complex medical situations and perform surgery if necessary. An optician, however, is a technician who designs and fits eyeglass lenses and frames but does not diagnose or treat eye conditions.

Meningitis, a possible concern if swelling around the optic nerve is observed, can cause pressure against the optic nerve due to inflammation. The swelling from meningitis affects the brain and the surrounding tissues, including the optic nerve, leading to vision problems and other serious complications.