Wednesday, March 11, 2009

What Is Ophthalmology?

By Richard Farrah

Ophthalmology is a specialist branch of medical science that looks after the eyes. This branch of medicine, for example, is responsible for the actual anatomy and functions of the eyes and the diseases that affect them.

Medical professionals who specialize in this field are most generally known as ophthalmologists. The responsibilities of doctors in this field can vary from country to country but they will generally be responsible for all kinds of eye related issues including assessing vision problems, identifying diseases and prescribing glasses and/or contacts to sort them out. They are also responsible for all kinds of eye operations.

So, some ophthalmologists will be specifically focused on studying and identifying diseases of the eye. Others, such as eye surgeons, may only perform operations rather than diagnostic procedures. And, some will work on the research side of ophthalmology and will work to find cures and solutions to eye problems and diseases.

Most specialists here will work in a hospital and/or clinic setting and will tend to see people with specific eye diseases or problems. So, for example, if you only have mild eye problems such as being long/far sighted or short/near sighted then the chances are you won't ever need to see an ophthalmologist but will work with an optometrist or an optician as your only real need will be to get prescription glasses or contacts. If, however, you develop a problem with your eyes then you will probably be referred to a hospital based specialist.

If, however, you opt for some kind of eye surgery here to solve your vision issues once and for all such as a LASIK or PRK treatment then you may well find that you will have to deal with a qualified eye surgeon. Today's laser procedures may be simple operations but they tend to be managed by qualified medical professionals.

Most ophthalmologists will follow a standard medical training program and some will go on after this to specialize in specific areas or fields. So, for example, a doctor may specialize in a certain part of the eye's anatomy and related diseases such as cornea specialists. Or, a doctor could take further training in the management of a specific eye disease such as glaucoma, for example.

So, in most countries you will spend a few years at medical school and will also take on further medical training. This could well involve periods of time training in hospitals and clinics to make sure that you get practical experience as well as a theoretical grounding in the subject.

Other common areas of specialization here include neuro ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology. In some cases a specialist here may also almost rank as a specialist in another field as well. So, for example a plastic surgeon could specialize in eye plastic surgery and an ophthalmic pathologist will combine pathology training with ophthalmic training.

Many ophthalmologists, however, can work on a variety of eye issues. So, for example, they may diagnose patients and prescribe glasses/lenses and specific treatments to remedy problems. They may also carry out their own surgical procedures as necessary.

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