Ophthalmologists are doctors who have specific expertise in providing examinations, treatments, and diagnoses related to eye diseases and vision problems. Not only that, ophthalmologists also have the competence in handling eye surgery.
A medical student who wants to become an ophthalmologist, must complete his general medical education and internship activities before undergoing ophthalmic education for four years or more.
Various Diseases Handled by Ophthalmologists
There are various types of eye diseases, but that does not mean you have to visit a specialist eye doctor every time you experience eye pain, because there are several eye diseases that can be treated by general practitioners. For example red eyes and tired eyes.
The types of diseases that are generally handled by ophthalmologists, including:
- Cataract
- Blepharitis
- Corneal dystrophy
- Glaucoma
- Keratitis
- Injury to the cornea
- Keratoconus
- Nearsighted and far
- Presbyopia
- Uveitis
- Vitreoretinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
- Benign and pseudotumor tumors.
- Pterygium
Actions Performed by Ophthalmologists
In determining the diagnosis, an ophthalmologist will trace the patient's and family's medical history related to the eye disease that was experienced. The doctor will also ask about the symptoms felt by the patient. The next step, the doctor will start to do a vision test to check the distance and field of view. Start with the ability to read letters or recognize objects at a certain distance, to color perception.
For certain conditions, the doctor will conduct additional examinations. For example, glaucoma patients will be asked to do tonometry, to measure eye pressure using a tonometer.
After the diagnosis is known, the doctor can decide what action will be taken to treat the disease and condition. Actions that can be taken include:
- Medical treatment, for example in glaucoma, uveitis and chemical burns.
- Eye surgery, for example in 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 a foreign object in the eye or repair an injury 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 in Checking Yourself to an Ophthalmologist
Maintaining eye health is very important. Do not wait until there is a change in vision, then check with an eye specialist. Some of the symptoms in the eye that should be immediately checked by an eye specialist, namely:
- Vision loss or vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Changes in vision or vision, such as spots, flashing lights, stripes, waves, or double vision that arise suddenly.
- Physical changes in the eyes, such as redness or swelling, due to certain diseases.
- Changes in the visual field or changes in color in vision.
In addition to seeing an eye specialist when you feel certain symptoms, eye examinations also need to be done routinely. The following are recommendations for routine eye examinations based on age:
- Age 19-40 years, do an inspection every 10 years.
- Ages 41-55 years, do an inspection every 5 years.
- Age 56-64 years, do an inspection every 3 years.
- Over the age of 65 years, carry out checks every 2 years.
Things To Be Prepared Before Meeting An Ophthalmologist
Before meeting an ophthalmologist, it's a good idea to prepare a few things to make it easier for the doctor to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment, such as:
- Glasses, for those of you who wear them.
- Medical history or allergic data.
- List of all drugs and supplements consumed.
- History of complaints and symptoms experienced in detail.
- Your health insurance information.
In choosing an ophthalmologist, you can ask for recommendations from your general practitioner, family, or friends. Make sure the ophthalmologist you choose, has the qualifications and competencies that suit your condition.
Do not ignore the eye disease that you experience. Immediately consult a doctor or ophthalmologist for proper examination and treatment.
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