Ophthalmology is a medical specialty that focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems with the eyes and visual system. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the eyes and visual system, and they have completed many years of training and education, including medical school and residency. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions, including injuries, infections, diseases, and disorders of the eye. Ophthalmologists can also perform eye surgery and prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct vision.
Ophthalmologists differ from optometrists and opticians in their levels of training and in what they can diagnose and treat. Optometrists are not medical doctors but have completed a four-year program in optometry and are licensed to perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and treat some eye conditions. Opticians are not doctors and are trained to fit and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Ophthalmology includes subspecialties that deal with certain diseases or diseases of certain parts of the eye, such as anterior segment surgery, cornea, ocular surface, and external disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics and orbit surgery, ophthalmic pathology, pediatric ophthalmology/strabismus, refractive surgery, medical retina, and uveitis.
People usually see an ophthalmologist when 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, and a family history of eye conditions. A family doctor, pediatrician, emergency room doctor, or optometrist usually refers a person to an ophthalmologist. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people have a full medical eye exam by the age of 40 years so that an ophthalmologist can detect any early signs of eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma.
