Ophthalmologists diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the eyes and visual system.
Ophthalmology is a mixed medical and surgical specialty. Common conditions encountered include:
corneal pathology (diseases of the cornea, the thin transparent surface that forms the front of the eyeball)
cataracts (where the lens of the eye loses transparency)
glaucoma (where the fluid pressure insides the eyes increases, causing visual problems) squints retinal problems (such as bleeding, tears or detachment of the retina, the back inner surface of the eye that receives light)
intraocular inflammation (inflammation within the eye) eye-related neurological problems
Ophthalmologists also manage patients with the following conditions:
major and minor eye injuries infectious eye disease chronic diseases of the eye such as diabetic retinopathy (disease affecting the retina caused by diabetes) and age-related macular degeneration (deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina)
Ophthalmic patients encompass the whole age range, from premature babies to the most senior members of the population. Patients are generally well and their conditions not life-threatening. However, eye symptoms and disorders are very common and can cause considerable anxiety. Sympathetic advice and reassurance is often required in addition to diagnosis and treatment.