January 16th, 2009
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Patricia Woloch asked:
What is an opthamologtst?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs surgery to improve or prevent the worsening of vision-related conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and thus will have an “M. D.” after his or her name.
When many people refer to “eye doctors,” they might be thinking about an Optometrist. An optometrist has a Doctor of Optometry degree from an optometry school which is usually four years of training in examining the eyes and treating certain types of visual and eye disorders. However, they do not have any background in general medicine, nor do they have any training in surgical management of eye diseases.
As a general rule, if you have anything actually wrong with your eyes or have a significant eye or general medical problem, it is better to see an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist has received all the training of an optometrist yet has sought additional training and education to become a medical doctor specializing in eye care.
What should I expect from my ophthalmologist?
An experienced ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam. A complete eye exam includes dilation to check for signs of eye disease or deterioration, and will perform tests to detect conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy before any permanent damage occurs.
As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist can prescribe any medications you may need to keep your eyes healthy and to maintain your vision. Your doctor will take into consideration your full medical history when examining your eyes. Your doctor will also be checking for any medical conditions that may affect your eye health include certain types of arthritis, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
What about LASIK surgery?
LASIK surgery is an exciting advance in the field of ophthalmology. Many people are tired of the expense and hassle involved with glasses and contacts and are choosing to get rid of them once and for all by opting for LASIK surgery.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, or the clear covering of the front of the eye, by using an excimer laser. Generally, a blade or laser device is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the area and then the flap is replaced.
If need help with your eyes or are considering LASIK surgery, you need the experience and training of a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist is not only here to take care of you during your eye surgery ort procedure, but to monitor you afterwards to help you keep your eyes healthy in the years to come.
What is an opthamologtst?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs surgery to improve or prevent the worsening of vision-related conditions. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and thus will have an “M. D.” after his or her name.
When many people refer to “eye doctors,” they might be thinking about an Optometrist. An optometrist has a Doctor of Optometry degree from an optometry school which is usually four years of training in examining the eyes and treating certain types of visual and eye disorders. However, they do not have any background in general medicine, nor do they have any training in surgical management of eye diseases.
As a general rule, if you have anything actually wrong with your eyes or have a significant eye or general medical problem, it is better to see an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist has received all the training of an optometrist yet has sought additional training and education to become a medical doctor specializing in eye care.
What should I expect from my ophthalmologist?
An experienced ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam. A complete eye exam includes dilation to check for signs of eye disease or deterioration, and will perform tests to detect conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy before any permanent damage occurs.
As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist can prescribe any medications you may need to keep your eyes healthy and to maintain your vision. Your doctor will take into consideration your full medical history when examining your eyes. Your doctor will also be checking for any medical conditions that may affect your eye health include certain types of arthritis, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
What about LASIK surgery?
LASIK surgery is an exciting advance in the field of ophthalmology. Many people are tired of the expense and hassle involved with glasses and contacts and are choosing to get rid of them once and for all by opting for LASIK surgery.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, or the clear covering of the front of the eye, by using an excimer laser. Generally, a blade or laser device is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the area and then the flap is replaced.
If need help with your eyes or are considering LASIK surgery, you need the experience and training of a skilled and compassionate ophthalmologist. Your ophthalmologist is not only here to take care of you during your eye surgery ort procedure, but to monitor you afterwards to help you keep your eyes healthy in the years to come.