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What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D. or osteopath)
who has the training to perform a comprehensive medical eye examination and is legally and professionally qualified to diagnose and treat all eye problems. Trained as a physician and surgeon, an ophthalmologist graduates from
medical school with a degree similar to that of an obstetrician or a cardiac surgeon. After completing a hospital-based internship, the ophthalmologist undergoes three or more additional years of training in the medical specialty
of ophthalmology, the study of the eye and its related systems. An ophthalmologist is the only doctor and the only eye care practitioner with such medical training. Some ophthalmologists sub-specialize in
specific eye problems. These subspecialties include children's eye problems, corneal diseases, retinal and vitreous diseases, glaucoma, plastic surgery, neurological disorders and low vision.
Measurement of vision for glasses and contact lenses can be performed by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist (O.D). An optician dispenses glasses prescribed by either of the other two specialists.
What Is Total Eye Care?
Total eye care is a determination of the health of the eye as well as visual acuity. It includes: Medical care: performing comprehensive medical eye examinations, diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye diseases,
prescribing appropriate medications, and proper referral to other physicians for diseases of the body affecting the eyes; Surgical care: performing eye surgery and postoperative care; Optical care:
prescribing eyeglasses, contact lenses or other visual aids.
A Comprehensive Medical Eye Examination
Your ophthalmologist gets acquainted with you and your eyes by reviewing your current symptoms as well as your medical and ocular history. The comprehensive medical eye examination that
follows includes not only the measurement of vision, but also a determination of the health of the eye in order to diagnose conditions or diseases that might interfere with your vision. Since the human eye is connected to the
brain and circulatory (blood vessel) system, your ophthalmologist may also be able to detect disease in the brain or elsewhere in the body which is revealed in the eyes. For example, the medical eye examination may find the
beginning of sight- or health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and blood disease or infection (including AIDS). The components of the
examination vary depending on your age, the date of your last exam, your family medical history and the nature of your eye problem. Some preliminary tests may be performed by the ophthalmologist's technician or other professional
assistants. The comprehensive examination may include:
(eye drops may be used)