Ophthalmology is a specialized branch of medicine that involves improving eye health. Ophthalmologists, which are the doctors who work in this field, are able to provide a wide range of services that are meant to diagnose and treat certain eye conditions and enhance vision. Ophthalmology has offered many breakthroughs in medicine and addressed some of the most serious eye conditions that often lead to vision loss. If you are concerned about vision loss, ophthalmology treatments can help preserve your sight.
Eye Conditions That Ophthalmology Can Treat
Revolutionary treatments in ophthalmology have been able to reverse the harmful effects of certain eye conditions that often lead to gradual or sudden vision loss. Even if your vision problem can't be reversed entirely, ophthalmology treatments may slow down the progress of the condition and help preserve your sight for longer. Some of the most common eye diseases and other conditions that are often treated successfully with ophthalmology include:
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Dry eyes
This branch of medicine can also address rarer eye conditions, such as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
Diagnostic Testing
Ophthalmologists are able to perform testing to diagnose eye conditions that may affect one or both eyes. A visual acuity test, which involves reading rows of letters or numbers that are of different sizes, is usually the first test that is conducted to gauge how well the eyes can see. Ocular tonometry is often used to measure the pressure in each eye. The retina can also be examined closely to determine if any diseases or other conditions are affecting the backs of the eyes.
Corrective Lenses
As with optometrists, ophthalmologists are able to prescribe corrective lenses to wear to improve vision. Lenses for standard eyeglass frames can help eliminate blurriness and also make driving and working safer by allowing you to see clearer. Contact lenses offer the same benefits and can be worn directly on the eyes if you don't want to have to wear eyeglasses.
Medications
Your ophthalmologist may use medications to treat your eye condition if it is believed that this type of treatment will be the most effective. Anti-angiogenic drugs are sometimes administered through injections into the eyes to treat age-related macular degeneration. If an eye infection is present, a specially formulated ointment may be prescribed for treatment. Prescription eye drops can also work well in treating certain eye conditions.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is sometimes the best treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. Surgery can be performed with incisional tools or lasers to correct vision problems or at least keep eye conditions from worsening. LASIK surgery is often effective in correcting problems with farsightedness or nearsightedness. If you choose to have surgery, your ophthalmologist will likely give you a sedative to numb any pain and keep you relaxed throughout your procedure.
Ophthalmology is one of the most important branches of medicine and has given countless numbers of people the gift of better sight. Reach out to a professional who provides ophthalmology services to learn more.
Share