Introduction
Being a specialized branch of medicine, ophthalmology entails the years preceding medical school wherein graduated physicians (Ophthalmologists) undertake post-graduate training in diseases of the eye.
Ophthalmologists deal with the surgery and diseases of the major visual pathways, including the eyes and eyelids, areas surrounding the eye and the hair.
History
Ophthalmologists and specialized eye surgeons are not a recent phenomenon. Their presence and skill has been recorded as far back as the 5th Century BC, when Sushruta, in his Sushruta Samhita, detailed various ophthalmological techniques and surgical instruments, as well as numerous eye diseases. He has been mentioned as the first ever cataract surgeon. Hunain ibn Ishaq, a famous Arab scientist, wrote one of the first ever books detailing the anatomy of the eye. Earlier manuscripts have been known to exist, most of which have not survived.
Defining an Ophthalmologist
An Ophthalmologist or a DO (Doctor or Osteopathy) is a physician who specializes in the care of the eyes. He or she is trained in all levels of eye care, including the treatment of eye disease, preventive medicine for the eyes, treatment of eye injuries and other surgical and medical procedures that are required to address eye ailments.
It is inaccurate to confuse Optometrists with Ophthalmologists. An Optometrists responsibilities are limited to diagnosing and treating vision problems and prescribing contact lenses, eyeglasses and other medicine that will help in treating eye disorders. Their function does not extend to performing surgery but they are often involved in providing patients with care before and after an eye operation. Often Optometrists and Ophthalmologists work in unison, managing patients simultaneously.
What Makes an Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists, during their extensive training that begins at college and continues for their entire careers, have a broad level knowledge of clinical skills, didactic lectures, and surgical lectures. They are made acquainted with, and gain experience of red eyes, acute visual loss, chronic visual loss, Amblyopia and Strabismus, Neuro- Ophthalmology, eye and Systemic Disease, Ocular and Orbital Injuries, Drugs and their effect on the eyes. Other areas they cover include the relationship between the vision and the publics, intraocular pressure and the fields of vision, anterior segment and other slit lamp skills, posterior segment and related ophthalmoscopy skills, Extraocular movements and the screening of children, trauma and all ocular emergencies. As students, they are provided first hand experience with patients with real eye problems.
What does an Ophthalmologist Treat
Ophthalmologists treat a variety of eye diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, Macular Disgeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment, Refractive Error, Uveitis, Red eye, Conjunctivitis, Blepharitis, Strabismus, Optic Neurtis, Trachoma, and Corneal Ulcers. The surgeries they perform include cataract surgery, Trabeculectomy, Vitrectomy, Strabismus Surgery, Cornea Transplant and LASIK.
How to Find a Good Ophthalmologist
Unfortunately, no rating system exists to rank medical doctors. While they may be certified differently and possess a wide array of qualifications and educational background, the bottom line is that a good ophthalmologist is one who would make a patient feel comfortable and at ease, and help address his or her issues completely. If you are in search for a reliable ophthalmologist, your best bet would be to conduct some research in the matter before settling on one. You can inquire from family and friends who they are most comfortable with. Typically, the ophthalmologist you select should have the pre-requisite qualification, including four years of medical school, one year of internship at a hospital in general medicine, three years of residency time in ophthalmology, and another 1-2 years of training which focuses on a particular area of eye care.
In addition to these, the ophthalmologist you decide on must be board certified. A board certified doctor is one who has taken and cleared intensive examinations covering all possible aspects of eye diseases and care.
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