Thursday, September 6, 2012

Ophthalmology Specialist Can Do For You

Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that is about the study, as well as the treatment, of disorders and diseases that affect the eye. When it comes to the health of your eyes, you may see a variety of eye specialists that start with the letter "o." There are ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. All of these professionals play an important role in keeping your eyes in good health. Each professional is different, however. It is important that you go to the appropriate provider for your specific condition, or for the treatment that is required.
An eye doctor is a physician who specializes in the field of ophthalmology. This doctor is known as an ophthalmologist. These eye care physicians can do many things, including performing eye examinations, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, and performing a variety of eye surgeries.
Ophthalmology also has to do with scientific research. Many specialists in this field conduct research studies as they attempt to further the knowledge and technology associated with the eyes. They educate others about the causes and possible cures for various eye disorders and diseases. They also look further into what causes vision conditions to arise.
An individual who studies to become an ophthalmologist spends more years in school and has more training than optometrists and opticians. These people are licensed to practice medicine and to perform both complex and delicate operations on the eye. Those who study in this medical area spend four years in college and then from there, four years in medical school. They also must complete a one-year internship. There is also at least three years of residency to complete, which is training that is hospital-based. During residence, the student of ophthalmology learns about the diagnosis of eye problems and studies the medical and surgical treatments that are available.
After the eye care professional completes their requisite years of medical education and training, they then must pass a rigorous examination that is delivered in two parts. This examination is given by the Board of Ophthalmology. Once the person passes the exam, they can then look for their first job as a qualified professional.
A doctor who works with vision conditions can choose to become a subspecialist if they so choose. He can select a particular area of medical or surgical eye care. A fellowship will need to be completed, which will require one to two years of additional training in the select area. Common areas of subspecialty for vision care providers include pediatrics, glaucoma, cornea, retina and plastic surgery.
The optometrist you go to will send you to an ophthalmologist for an examination and evaluation if you have decreased vision (even if it is only temporary), distorted vision, or floaters in front of your eyes. There can be many reasons why you would be referred to such a medical practitioner.

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