What Is Ophthalmology?
Healthcare is a vast field of study that deals with thousands of conditions, diseases and medical problems. It has doctors that treat all types of patients, while others specialize in one particular area. Ophthalmology is one specialty that diagnoses, treats and studies the eyes. Ophthalmologists are the doctors who perform these duties.
Ophthalmologists
An ophthalmologist attends four years of medical school before specializing in eye health. This doctor spends several years more in a clinical hospital setting to learn ocular treatment methods. He or she receives a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or Doctor of Medicine degree after completing medical school. Ophthalmologists may also become a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an organization that oversees the continued training and education of eye doctors.
Eye Treatments
Some diseases or conditions affect the eyes and all the organs that pertain to this area of the head. Ophthalmology addresses all types of eye conditions with special instruments, topical medications and treatments. Ophthalmologists use special testing methods like the Snellen eye chart to address sight problems. This chart measures a person's ability to see objects from different distances. Different surgeries may be used to remove or repair eye damage as well.
Conditions
A great number of conditions and diseases affect eye care. Ophthalmology addresses conditions that include:
- Cataracts: A film that covers the eyes and appears cloudy. Eye doctors may perform surgery to remove.
- Dry eye: Occurs due to allergens, illness or disease. The eye does not produce enough natural moisture to maintain healthy or prevent irritation.
- Astigmatism: Causes blurred or distorted vision due to an affected cornea.
- Conjunctivitis: Commonly known as pink eye and causes irritation, redness and infection. This eye condition is highly infectious.