Eye Doctor
The eye is probably one of the most important organs due to its primary function, which is simply to let us see. Losing vision will, most likely, change our life because it greatly affects how we perform our daily activities. To prevent any problems that are associated with the eyes, one must not delay a consult with an eye doctor or an ophthalmologist.
Definition
An eye doctor, based on its title, is a physician whose concern is mainly on the structure, the function, and the diseases of the eye. Apart from formulating diagnosis, these medical specialists also treat the eye diseases using appropriate medical and surgical approaches.
Eye doctors or ophthalmologists perform various kinds of care that can maintain eye health. Some of these are regular eye check-ups and management of eye conditions secondary to systemic diseases (retinopathy in diabetes mellitus). These medical specialists also prescribe eye medications and the use of corrective eyeglasses. But in some cases, they can refer their patients to
optometrists for further management on poor vision.
As what has been stated earlier, eye doctors also perform eye surgeries so as to restore the appearance and the function of the eyes. Some of the invasive methods that are done by these specialists are replacement of the lens of the eyes and laser surgery.
Types of Patients
Ophthalmologists are responsible for treating eye diseases and disorders. Their focus is mainly on the organ for vision but they also deal with the problems of the brain and surrounding parts of the eye (eyelid and lachrymal system) that affects the proper functioning of the eye.
Some of the conditions that are dealt with by the eye doctors are injuries and traumas to the eye. These things happen mostly to those who engage in, rather, strenuous activities like athletes. Of course, eye injuries happen in occupations with hazardous environment and people working in this area are also seen by ophthalmologists.
These eye specialists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, and the external part called the eyelids. They can also help in treating tumors that affect the cornea. Infection is also quite common to occur on the mucous membrane of the eyes thus making it a responsibility of ophthalmologists to treat such conditions. Other diseases that are taken care of ophthalmologists are glaucoma and cataract.
Subspecialty
Ophthalmologists can also advance in their career by signing up in a fellowship program that takes about one to two years. This program allows eye specialists to specialize in the other branches of ophthalmology. Some of the subspecialties that are offered by the fellowship program are: glaucoma, retina and vitreous diseases, plastic surgery, corneal diseases, and
pediatric eye problems.
Eye Doctors by state:
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaCaliforniaDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming