Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology (/ˌɒfθælˈmɒlədʒi/)[1] is a branch of medicine and surgery that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in ophthalmology. The credentials include a degree in medicine, followed by additional four to five years of residency training in ophthalmology. Residency training programs for ophthalmology may require a one-year internship with training in internal medicine, pediatrics, or general surgery. Additional specialty training (or fellowship) may be sought in a particular aspect of eye pathology.

Ophthalmologists are allowed to prescribe medications to treat eye diseases, implement laser therapy, and perform surgery when needed.

Ophthalmologists may participate in academic research on the diagnosis and treatment for eye disorders.

Most people see an ophthalmologist because they are experiencing chronic or severe vision symptoms or signs of eye conditions, such as:

  • Bulging eyes
  • reduced, distorted, blocked, or double vision
  • excessive tearing
  • eyelid abnormalities or problems
  • seeing colored circles or halos around lights
  • misaligned eyes
  • black specks or strings called floaters in the field of view
  • seeing flashes of light
  • unexplained eye redness
  • loss of peripheral vision

A person may need emergency care from an ophthalmologist if their symptoms include:

  • sudden vision loss or changes
  • sudden or severe eye pain
  • eye injury
  • perform vision tests and eye exams
  • prescribe and dispense corrective lenses
  • help manage and monitor vision changes
  • detect signs of conditions that need subspecialist care, such as glaucoma and cataracts
  • prescribe medications to help manage certain conditions

Opticians are a type of healthcare technician. They are specially trained to help design, confirm, select, or fit corrective vision devices, including contact lenses and eyeglass lenses and frames. Opticians cannot diagnose or treat conditions and must follow the prescription and guidance of optometrists and ophthalmologists.