Ophthalmology is a specialty of medicine. Within this specialty is the ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists, in turn, share specific tasks in order to provide the best possible care to patients.
What is an ophthalmologist?
The duties of ophthalmologists are both general and quite specific. Ophthalmology is based on diagnosis, consultation, treatment and follow-up by ophthalmologists. The tasks of ophthalmologists are both general and quite specific in nature. Ophthalmology, also known as ophthalmology or ophthalmiatry, is based on diagnosis, consultation, treatment and follow-up by the ophthalmologist. In addition, the ophthalmologist also deals with preventive, i.e. preventive measures. Behind the term ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who works within the phthalmological and ophthalmological possibilities. In this context, surgical interventions are also common. The ophthalmologist needs the connection with other medical branches for his tasks. These are usually the nose-ear medicine as well as the internal and skin medicine and the neurology. In addition, general medical and surgical knowledge also complete the working disciplines of the ophthalmologist.
Treatments
The treatment by the ophthalmologist refers to the consultation, the recommendation and provision of remedies and aids, appropriate surgical procedures, orthoptics, pleoptics as well as occlusion therapy for visual disorders and surgical eye corrections, which are important for the eyes and the visual apparatus. The main diseases of the eyes and the visual system are glaucoma and cataract, ocular malpositions, destruction of the natural lens of the eye and presbyopia. In addition, the ophthalmologist’s field of expertise includes pathological impairments of vision due to the limitations known as astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. Within the scope of the so-called maldevelopments and malformations, the ophthalmologist is experienced in the diagnosis and therapy of strabismus, night and color blindness, and uncontrolled eye tremor. The tasks of the ophthalmologist are far from being exhausted. The ophthalmologist treats eye diseases that are specifically related to individual anatomical areas of the eye and the visual system. In this context, the disorders of vision known as systemic diseases are relevant for the ophthalmologist. Deviations from the normal imaging ability of the eye and from the ability to adapt to near objects also fall within the scope of the ophthalmologist.
Diagnostic and examination methods
The eyes are exceedingly sensitive organs and can lead to a considerable impairment of the quality of life in case of disturbances of the visual ability. In order to find the triggers for these abnormalities in time, the ophthalmologist sometimes uses extremely complicated and equally simple examination methods and equipment. Among the medical devices used by the ophthalmologist are the devices for determining intraocular pressure and for diagnosing the visual field. By using slit lamp microscopy, the ophthalmologist can perform the finest microscopic structures different sections of the eye. Further diagnostic devices at the ophthalmologist are the devices for an examination of defective vision, for the determination of the existing visual acuity and the so-called chamber angle. By means of appropriate technical aids, the ophthalmologist is able to make a direct and indirect visualization of the condition of the fundus of the eye. In the treatment of eye diseases, the ophthalmologist uses lasers in connection with the state-of-the-art LASIK technology and various devices within the scope of ophthalmology. Especially in the field of refractive lens surgery, the ophthalmologist needs these advanced technical and electronic developments. Also significant for the ophthalmologist and the patients are computer-assisted treatment methods, such as optical coherence tomography and topography. In addition, the ophthalmologist has at his disposal the most modern medicines and useful optical aids.
What should the patient pay attention to?
Many people find it difficult to go to the ophthalmologist because they are afraid of the examinations. This is quite justified. When choosing an ophthalmologist, it is therefore important to feel comfortable with the first impression of the practice.If the waiting rooms are uninviting and the staff is gruff and overwhelmed, it is better to choose another doctor. When choosing an ophthalmologist, it is essential to pay attention to his qualifications and the range of possible diagnoses and treatments. In particular, specialties may be decisive for the choice. Under certain circumstances, it can be favorable if an ophthalmologist can also act as an expert. Basically, one should not get the feeling at the ophthalmologist, not need-oriented to be received and hectically processed.
