Ophthalmologist Information

Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical aspect of eye care. They focus on disease and prevention and have extensive knowledge in how to treat eye injuries. They perform surgeries, exams and have several years of concentrated training. If you are concerned that you need to see an ophthalmologist the information provided here will give you an extensive overview of how ophthalmology can benefit you.

What They Do

• Opthalmologists are usually medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). They diagnose eye diseases and disorders, conduct surgeries when necessary, and manage systemic illnesses of the eye. It is not uncommon for them to conduct routine exams and prescribe eye glasses.

Education

• An ophthalmologist must undergo extensive academic training that includes four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of medical school. After medical school they are required to enlist in a one year internship plus an approved three year residency program. It is then commonplace for ophthalmologists to join a one or two year fellowship program in order to sub-specialize in order to better treat glaucoma and eye problems in children, and master cornela, retinal, and vitreous diseases. It is during their fellowship programs that they learn more in-depth plastic surgery techniques as well.

Licensing

• A state regulatory board must license an ophthalmologist before she can legally practice medicine. She is required to receive board certification by passing an exam that proves her knowledge and capabilities in ophthalmology. This test is given by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

When to See an Ophthalmologist

• It is important to see an ophthalmologist if you suspect you may have eye disease or have noticed marked changes in your vision. Some things to look for are floaters or squiggly lines in your field of vision. Haloes around lights or flashing lights are other warning signs that you may need to seek treatment. Other, less noticeable issues include loss of peripheral vision, no matter how slight; any decreased vision; or red eyes. Bulging eyes or injury also merit a trip to your local ophthalmologist. If you have AIDS, thyroid disease or diabetes it is a good idea to maintain regular check ups.

  Your ophthalmologist may use prescription drugs, laser surgery or perform traditional eye surgery to treat these symptoms or conditions. He will help you keep these ailments at bay or entirely eradicate some of the symptoms or root causes altogether through treatment.

The Exam

• An examination by an ophthalmologist will include tests to check your pupils' responses to light, the range of your peripheral vision, eyelid health and a basic vision test. Sometimes drops will be administered to dilate your pupils, but this process is painless. You will also be asked about any symptoms you experience or have experienced, and your medical history will be reviewed.