What do ophthalmologists & eye doctors treat?

Visual Acuity

Most adults have some degree of lessened visual acuity or, put more simply, a problem with their eyesight. These problems include nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism, or other visual issues. Ophthalmologists address these issues through prescriptions for corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contacts) or surgical correction.

Macular Degeneration

Macular generation is a top cause of vision loss. This disease is progressive and mainly affects older people, although young individuals are also susceptible. In macular degeneration, the retina’s centre deteriorates, leading to central vision loss. In time, macular degeneration can result in significant loss of vision or even complete blindness.

Ophthalmologists regularly test for macular degeneration. While there is no complete cure for macular degeneration, the progression of this disease can often be slowed. Early macular degeneration may produce no symptoms, so it is important to receive regular eye examinations from an eye doctor, especially if you are over 55.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is not a single disease but instead refers to a group of conditions caused by abnormally high pressure within the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can result in major vision loss or blindness.

Glaucoma usually occurs in those over 60. A family history of glaucoma can put you at increased personal risk for this condition. Also, having high blood pressure may magnify your chances of suffering from glaucoma.

Unfortunately, glaucoma can be insidious. The symptoms can progress so slowly that you may not even notice vision loss until it is too late. However, ophthalmologists regularly test for glaucoma, measuring the pressure inside your eyes. When caught early, definitive treatment can help slow the effects of glaucoma and preserve your vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes, or unregulated blood sugar levels, is a systemic disease that affects the entire body, including the eyes. High blood sugar changes the blood vessels in the retinas over time, leading to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy may be difficult to treat in the later stages of the disease, making early detection paramount.

Signs of diabetic retinopathy will show up on an ophthalmologist’s eye examination, even in the early stages. If your eye doctor identifies diabetic retinopathy, they can recommend treatment to limit, slow, or control the damage. This treatment may include medications as well as working together with your general practitioner or endocrinologist on strategies to control your blood sugar.

Services Provided by Ophthalmologists & Eye Doctors

The services provided by ophthalmologists are numerous and include:

• Visual acuity (eyesight) examinations
• Prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Diagnosis and treatment of minor eye complaints such as dry eyes, itchy eyes, etc.
• Diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, infectious eye diseases, eye trauma, glaucoma, and more
• Ophthalmic surgery such as cataract removal and surgeries for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, visual acuity problems, and more.