What Is An Ophthalmologist?

By Author: Retinasurgeon
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An ophthalmologist is a doctor with additional training in the management and diagnosis of eye disorders and the visual system. Ophthalmology provides the specialist with the training necessary to provide a full spectrum of eye care, which includes medical treatment and complex surgery.

In most countries, the ophthalmologist will go through six to seven years at a medical school and graduate with a medical degree. They will then spend a minimum of two years getting basic training and a further five years of ophthalmic specialist training. Many ophthalmologists are involved in research and clinical trials to identify the causes and find cures for eye diseases.

It's easy to get an ophthalmologist confused with an optometrist or orthoptist. Knowing the different eye doctors can help you identify which one is the right match for you. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor with additional specialist training for eye disorders. Optometrists are eye care professionals that examine the yes and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. If an optometrist identifies an eye disease, they refer the patient to an ophthalmologist.

Orthoptist ...
... are heath care professionals, trained for the diagnosis and managements of eye movement disorders. They perform testing of eye diseases.

There are a number of eye conditions that go undetected until they are advanced. Examples include macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye examinations are important as part of your health assessment. Eye sensitivity, visual charges and eye redness could be a more serious concern of eye disease and requires a professional eye examination.

An ophthalmologist will perform a complete eye exam, including visual assessment, peripheral vision assessments, eye pressure checks and microscopic assessments of the eye. The look into the eye to assess the retina and optic nerves. Glasses assessments are also performed in some cases.

If you are wondering if you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist, there are some signs that can help you decide what to do. The first is when you experience visual changes. You may have vision changes that improve when you blink, which could be a sign of dry eye syndrome. Your vision may gradually be declining, which means you may have cataracts or your prescription eyeglasses need updating. Distortion in the central vision, floaters or flashes could be a retinal problem and require an urgent assessment by an ophthalmologist.

Experiencing eye dryness can be very uncomfortable and can get worse over time. This may impact how long you can use a computer for or how long you can read your favourite book. This is another sign you may want to visit the ophthalmologist.

If you have red or bloodshot eyes, it can be a sign of inflammation or dryness that is affecting the internet or external parts of the eye. A sudden red spot can be a broken blood vessel. If your eye redness is accompanied by pain, then you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for assessment.

Eye pain can also be a sign of dry eye or inflammation. It is important to remember that sinus disease and headaches can cause eye pain as well. You need to visit an ophthalmologist to rule out eye disease as the cause. Ongoing or recurring headaches with pressure in or around your eyes can be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a sight threatening condition that is associated with an increase in eye pressure. This is a silent condition and symptoms only show in advanced stages, a sign that you are at increased risk of going blind. Seek urgent ophthalmologist assessments in this case.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/.