Ophthalmology

What is an ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist – Eye M.D. – is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.

How does an ophthalmologist become certified?

After four years of college and eight additional years of medical education and training, a certified ophthalmologist must pass a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

What is a subspecialist?

While all ophthalmologists specialize in eye problems and can treat all conditions, some decide to specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care. This person is called a subspecialist. He or she usually completes a fellowship, which is one or two more years of additional training in the chosen area. Common areas of subspecialty include glaucoma, retina, cornea, pediatrics and plastic surgery.

What treatments are available for my eyes?

Your ophthalmologist will discuss the results of your eye examination with you. If your eyes are healthy, you may need only eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. Or you may not need any vision correction at all. Some eye diseases are treated with medication, such as eye drops or pills. Other diseases may require laser surgery or other surgical procedures.

Your ophthalmologist can provide you with the treatment you need or, in some cases, may refer you to a subspecialist.Some eye conditions cannot be cured. Nevertheless, your ophthalmologist can offer counseling and support while monitoring your condition. Good medical care is based on a cooperative relationship between you and your doctor.

You should trust your ophthalmologist to give you accurate information about your eye problem and tell you about the risks and benefits of treatment options. You should also trust your ophthalmologist to keep your personal information confidential and to provide care with courtesy and respect. Your role in this cooperative relationship is to ask your ophthalmologist questions about your problem and treatment options and tell him or her about any other health factors that may affect your condition.

Loss of sight can be prevented!

Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms for months or years. Therefore, regular visits to your ophthalmologist are as important as regular visits to your family physician. In many cases, early treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, crossed eyes and some forms of macular degeneration can prevent loss of sight and even blindness.

Together, you and your ophthalmologist can work toward the goal of protecting your sight through early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.

Opthamology Treatments

Neuro Ophthalmology

The Neuro ophthalmology primarily focuses on a large number of optic nerve disorders and neurological disorders. These disorders are connected with ophthalmic diseases. A number of eye disorders are linked with neurologic diseases like strokes, brain tumors and multiple sclerosis. It also deals with many visual problems such as double vision and blurred vision. Neuro Ophthalmology involves neurosurgery, neurology, Neuroradiology and ophthalmology. Generally Neuro-ophthalmology disorders requires communication with physicians, Neuro-ophthalmologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons and specifically general neurologists.

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular Degeneration (AMD) is related to age and is a painless condition of the eye which leads to slow loss of the central vision. The central vision basically helps in directly looking the objects in front of your eye. Many activities like watching television, writing and reading involves the use of central vision. The condition of AMD affects both the eyes and its speed varies from eye to eye.

If the central vision becomes blurred, it will lead to following symptoms –

• A person faces difficulty in reading either the written text or printed text
• A person while reading can experience the colors becoming less vibrant
• A person can also face difficulty in recognizing the other people’s faces

Types of Eye disorders

Wet AMD : Also referred to as neovascular AMD, it's a serious condition that can lead to deterioration of vision in a few days. Under the macula, the abnormal blood vessels damages its cells that results in the development of wet AMD.

Dry AMD : This condition grows when there is damage of macula cells due to insufficient nutrients that results in the accumulation of waste products known as drusens. This is the most least severe type of AMD. The vision loss happens gradually and those people who have dry AMD will also gradually develop wet AMD.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) : Also referred as Keratitis Sicca or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is the ocular surface and tear disease that leads to tear film disturbance, visual disturbance and discomfort that cause damage to the ocular surface. The two types of DES are – DES didn't associate with SS (non- SS KCS) and DES associated with the Sjogren syndrome (SS).

• Symptoms of DES
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Ocular dryness, grittiness and foreign body sensation
• Photophobia
• Hyperemia
• Mucoid discharge
• Excessive tearing
• Ocular irritation

Cost of Ophthalmology Surgery

The cost of Ophthalmology Treatments in India is very affordable. All the hospitals in India are well equipped with latest technology and medical services. India is gaining popularity for its treatments and services in the area of eye care. The benefits of having eye surgery in India is that India offers the best treatments under well-qualified doctors.