Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine which deals with the
diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmology
studies the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye. A medical doctor who
specializes in eye and vision care is called an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform vision services, eye examinations,
medical and surgical eye care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye
and other visual complications.
Eye examinations, performed by an ophthalmologist to detect
eye diseases, include external examinations, color vision test, visual field
screening, refraction test, functional test and electrooculography.
Ophthalmologists are also involved in the research of the causes and
treatments of eye diseases and visual problems. Ophthalmology specialty areas
include cornea and external diseases, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology,
ophthalmic pathology, ophthalmic plastic surgery, vitreoretinal diseases and
pediatric ophthalmology.
Cornea and external diseases involve diagnosis and management
of cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids, microbial infections and ocular
manifestations of systemic diseases. Glaucoma includes the treatment of
glaucoma and other disorders that cause optic nerve damage. Ophthalmic
pathology involves the combination of pathology and ophthalmology. An
ophthalmic pathologist examines tissue specimens from the eye. Neuro-ophthalmology
is concerned with the neurological aspects of the visual apparatus. Neuro-pathology
deals with the relationship between neurologic and ophthalmic diseases. It
also deals with the local pathology affecting the optic nerve.
Pediatric ophthalmology is a wide area which involves the
management of strabismus, genetic and developmental abnormalities and a wide
range of inflammatory conditions occurring in children. Vitreoretinal disease
is another subspecialty of ophthalmology. This involves local, systemic and
genetic diseases that affect the retina and the vitreous. Ophthalmic plastic
surgery deals with oculofacial plastic surgery. It includes the reconstructive
surgery for face, orbit, eyelids and the lacrimal system.
The treatment
procedures in ophthalmology vary with each subspecialty area. Cornea and
external diseases can be treated with corneal transplant surgeries. Glaucoma
can be treated with medical and surgical treatments. Ophthalmic plastic
surgery includes plastic surgery, eyelid surgeries, and lacrimal surgeries.
Vitreoretinal diseases can be treated with laser therapies, cryotherapies,
vitrectomy and retinal detachment surgeries.
