The ophthalmologist is a doctor who has specific expertise in providing examinations, treatments, and diagnoses related to eye diseases and visual disturbances. Not only that, ophthalmologists also have competencein handling operations eye.
A medical student who wants to become an ophthalmologist, must complete general practitioner education and activities internship before undergoing four or more years of ophthalmology education.
Various Diseases Treated by Ophthalmologists
There are various types of eye diseases, but that doesn't mean you have to visit an ophthalmologist every time you experience eye pain, because there are some eye diseases that can be treated by a general practitioner. For example, red eyes and tired eyes.
The types of diseases that are generally treated by ophthalmologists include:
- Cataract
- Blepharitis
- Corneal dystrophy
- Glaucoma
- Keratitis
- Injury to the cornea
- Keratoconus
- Near and farsighted
- Presbyopia
- Uveitis
- Vitreoretinal disease, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
- Benign tumors and pseudotumors.
- Pterygium
Action takenOphthalmologist
In determining the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist will trace the medical history of the patient and his family regarding the eye disease experienced. The doctor will also ask about the patient's symptoms. The next step, the doctor will start doing vision tests to check the distance and field of view. Starting with the ability to read letters or recognize objects at a certain distance, to color perception.
For certain conditions, the doctor will perform additional examinations. For example, glaucoma patients will be asked to do tonometry, to measure eye pressure using a tonometer.
Once the diagnosis is known, the doctor can decide what actions will be taken to treat these diseases and conditions. Actions that can be taken include:
- Medical treatment, for example in glaucoma, uveitis, and chemical burns.
- Eye surgery, for example on cross eyes, cataracts, and
- Plastic surgery or eyelid surgery.
- Laser surgery to reshape the cornea.
In addition, there are also those who perform surgery to remove foreign objects in the eye or repair injuries to the cornea. In fact, ophthalmologists can also perform medical procedures in the form of grafts and corneal transplants due to certain diseases.
The Right Time to Check with the DoctorEye specialist
Maintaining eye health is very important. Do not wait until there is a change in vision, then consult an ophthalmologist. Some of the symptoms in the eye that should immediately be examined by an ophthalmologist, namely:
- Vision loss or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
- Changes in vision or vision, such as spots, flashing light, streaks, wavy, or double vision that occur suddenly.
- Physical changes in the eyes, such as redness or swelling, due to certain diseases.
- Changes in the visual field or changes in the color of vision.
In addition to seeing an ophthalmologist when you feel certain symptoms, eye examinations also need to be carried out regularly. The following are recommendations for routine eye examinations based on age:
- Ages 19-40 years, have an examination every 10 years.
- Age 41-55 years, do an examination every 5 years.
- Age 56-64 years, do the examination every 3 years.
- Over the age of 65 years, have an examination every 2 years.
Things to prepare before meeting an ophthalmologist
Before seeing an ophthalmologist, it's a good idea to prepare several things to make it easier for the doctor to determine the right diagnosis and treatment, such as:
- Glasses, for those of you who wear them.
- Medical history or allergy data.
- List all medications and supplements taken.
- A detailed history of complaints and symptoms.
- Your health insurance information.
In choosing an ophthalmologist, you can ask for recommendations from general practitioners, family, or friends. Make sure the ophthalmologist you choose has the appropriate qualifications and competencies for your condition.
Do not ignore the eye disease you are experiencing. Immediately consult a doctor or ophthalmologist for proper examination and treatment.
