Learn About Ophthalmologists: Conditions They Treat and When to see one?
What is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a healthcare professional who has been trained to treat eye diseases and other conditions that affect the eyes. They diagnose and treat these issues and can even conduct surgery to help repair a certain conditions. They also conduct eye exams and help patients find the right glasses or other ways to improve their vision.
How does a doctor become an Ophthalmologist?
To become an ophthalmologist, a person must first complete an accredited undergraduate program. Next, they must attend medical school for another four years. After medical school, they must attend a residency program, where they will continue their education under the guidance of an experienced ophthalmologist.
What types of illnesses do Ophthalmologists Treat?
Ophthalmologists treat a variety of different illnesses that affect the eye. These illnesses can range from something as common as astigmatism to something as serious as cancer. Some of the most common eye conditions and illnesses that ophthalmologists treat include:
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- CMV retinitis
- Color blindness
- Crossed eyes
- Diabetic macular edema
- Eye floaters
- Glaucoma
- Keratomas
- Lazy eyes
- Ocular hypertension
- Retinal detachment
- Uveitis
- Vision problems
What diagnostic tests and procedures do Ophthalmologists perform?
Before ophthalmologists can treat eyes disease and vision problems, they have to diagnose them. To do this, they perform a variety of tests. They may also sometimes order the tests from other healthcare professionals. Some of the most common diagnostic tests that are used by ophthalmologists include:
- Parasitic cultures
- Biopsies
- Topography
- Specular microscopy
- Pachymetry
- Aesthesiometry
- Fundus photography
- Threshold perimetry
- Physical eye exam
- Vision tests
- Glaucoma tests
- Optical coherence tomography
What are the different types of Ophthalmologists?
Some ophthalmologists choose to continue their education to learn more about specific diseases or parts of the eye. These are called subspecialties. Some ophthalmologists practice in one subspecialty, and others practice in more than one. Some of the most common include:
- Cornea specialists
- Retina specialists
- Glaucoma specialists
- Pediatric ophthalmologists
- Oculoplastic ophthalmologists
- Neuro-ophthalmologists
How do Ophthalmologists treat eye diseases?
Ophthalmologists treat a variety of different illnesses, and each treatment is aimed at a particular illness. The treatment used depends on the disease or condition and the preference of the patient. Some common treatments include:
- Eyelid treatments
- Surgery
- Lasik eye surgery
- Cataract removal
- Antibiotics
- Laser surgery
- Corrective lenses
- Lens exchange
- Lens transplant
- Cornea transplant
- Medicated eyedrops
- Trabeculectomy
- Glaucoma drainage devices
When to See an Ophthalmologist?
Knowing when to see ophthalmologists can be difficult. In most cases, people see optometrists for basic eye problems and vision problems. If an optometrist feels that you may have a disease or serious eye condition, he or she may refer you to an ophthalmologist. Some other reasons to see an ophthalmologist include:
- Loss of vision
- Change in vision
- Change in field of vision
- Pressure in the eye
- Pain in the eye
- Eye discharge
- Crossed eyes
- Eyes that turn in, out, up, or down
- Eye redness
- Swelling in the eye
- Seeing haloes around lights
- Double vision
- Change in vision color
- Seeing flashes of light
- Seeing shadows or black spots.
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