If you have ever undergone eye surgery, a trained ophthalmologist has done the work. Ophthalmology focuses on treating diseases and conditions that affect the anatomy and physiology of the eye. What this means is that an ophthalmologist takes care of both surgical procedures and medical care for the eye. They are specialists in dealing with multiple eye diseases and conditions.
Ophthalmology Training and Education
Becoming an ophthalmologist requires a medical degree and completing residency like other branches of medicine. Some ophthalmologists can undergo additional training if they choose and focus on a specialty within the field.
Ophthalmology training covers the entire spectrum of eye care. Ophthalmologists are trained to do thorough eye exams to prescribe glasses or contact lenses, offer medical treatment for assorted eye problems, and do complex and delicate eye surgeries for qualified candidates. They also take an active role in conducting scientific research on eye diseases and other serious vision problems. Ophthalmologists work to uncover causes behind these things and find cures.
An ophthalmologist is a licensed medical doctor, so they are permitted to practice medicine and surgery. This is different from an optometrist who focuses on performing eye exams, prescribing corrective lenses, and prescribing medications for certain eye diseases. Often, optometrists and ophthalmologists will work together to provide complete eye care for a patient.
Ophthalmologist Sub-Specialties
The field of ophthalmology includes multiple sub-specialties where an ophthalmologist can focus on treating and curing specific types of eye problems. This can make it easier to address specific needs of eye patients.
These ophthalmology sub-specialties include:
Glaucoma: This specialty concentrates on medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma and other age related vision disorders that can create optic nerve damage through increased ocular pressure.
Cataracts: This specialty concentrates on medical and surgical treatment of Cataracts and other related vision disorders that cause blurry vision or other symptoms that can affect a persons day-to -day activities.
Ophthalmic Pathology: An ophthalmic pathologist examines tissue samples culled from the eye and adnexa in helping to diagnose eye diseases and vision problems.
Pediatric Ophthalmology: This specialty focuses on dealing with vision problems and eye diseases affecting children. Pediatric ophthalmologists offer medical and surgical treatment of genetic ocular abnormalities and serious eye diseases before a patient reaches adulthood.