Ophthalmology is the study of medical conditions relating to the eye.
Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of this organ.
A general practice doctor may refer someone to an ophthalmologist if they show symptoms of cataracts, eye infections, optic nerve problems, or other eye conditions.
In this article, we look at what ophthalmologists do, including the types of conditions that they treat, the procedures they perform, and when a person might see this specialist.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye-related conditions.
Subspecialist ophthalmologists have usually completed training that allows them to work on eye conditions that are complex, involve a specific part of the eye, or affect certain groups of people. They also train more extensively than regular ophthalmologists to perform extremely intricate surgeries on delicate parts of the eye.
What conditions do they treat?
Ophthalmologists are responsible for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of almost all eye conditions and visual issues.
However, subspecialist ophthalmologists tend to treat and monitor certain conditions, such as:
Aside from caring for the eyes and vision, an ophthalmologist’s medical training may also equip them to notice symptoms of conditions that do not directly relate to the eye. In such cases, they can refer people for the appropriate treatment.
Many ophthalmologists also participate in some form of scientific research focusing on the causes of eye and vision conditions, as well as potential cures.
What procedures do they do?
Most ophthalmologists are trained and certified to perform a wide range of medical and surgical procedures. The procedures that an ophthalmologist regularly carries out depend on several factors, such as the type of practice and specialty in which they work.
Some of the most common everyday procedures that an ophthalmologist will perform include diagnosing and monitoring mild eye and vision conditions. They will also spend time prescribing and fitting glasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.
Subspecialist ophthalmologists tend to perform a smaller range of procedures on a day-to-day basis, focusing instead on the treatment of one condition or a few related conditions.
Procedures that subspecialists commonly perform include:
Most people see an ophthalmologist because they are experiencing chronic or severe vision symptoms or signs of eye conditions, such as:
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