Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in protecting our vision. They diagnose and treat problems affecting the eye, including cataracts, glaucoma, eye trauma, retinal detachments, dry eye, and eye inflammation. Patients are usually referred to ophthalmologists by family physicians and optometrists.
When a new patient come in, the ophthalmologist first needs to diagnose the problem. They usually start by asking about the medical history of the patient, as this can aid in their diagnosis. For example, people who have diabetes are at increased risk to suffer eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Ophthalmologists may also ask the patient to describe any vision problems they are experiencing.
Next, they will conduct a thorough examination of the eye itself. They use special instruments to examine and measure the eye, and may perform tests to assess the vision of the patient. They may also order special photographs be taken of the eye so they can examine it in more detail.
Once the problem has been diagnosed, ophthalmologists will recommend a course of treatment for the patient. In some cases, the treatment may be as simple as prescribing medication such as pills or eye drops. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Ophthalmologists are trained to perform many different surgical procedures, depending on the problem. For instance, one of the most common procedures is cataract removal. Surgery on the eye requires the use of specialized instruments, including magnification tools, and ophthalmologists need excellent control and hand-eye coordination. In many cases, diseases and disorders are treated through laser surgery.
In addition to diagnosing and treating existing eye problems, ophthalmologists may also perform routine eye exams. For instance, they may perform annual eye exams for patients who are at higher risk of developing eye problems, such as those who have diabetes or AIDS. Ophthalmologists are also qualified to prescribe glasses and contact lenses when necessary.
Some ophthalmologists specialize in working with certain problems affecting the eye, such as the treatment of glaucoma, or diseases affecting the cornea. Other ophthalmologists focus on performing laser eye surgery to correct poor vision.
NOC Code: 3111