What is a Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists specialize in the field of ophthalmology providing complete eye care to improve or restore vision. Their comprehensive medical training allows for them to perform eye surgery, diagnose and treat various eye diseases, as well as prescribe glasses and contact lenses for visual difficulties. Many ophthalmologists complete additional fellowships in order to treat specific eye diseases like glaucoma, for example.
Common Ophthalmologic Disorders
Some disorders like diabetes can affect vision and thus require constant monitoring and care to prevent diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects blood vessels at the back of the eye. Signs and symptoms that require medical attention:
- Distorted vision
- Floaters
- Double vision
- Cloudy lens (cataracts)
- Appearance of flashing lights
- Light sensitivity
Seeking early treatment can prevent further visual deterioration, and in extreme cases prevent blindness, such is the case of cataract treatment – many eye diseases can be managed more effectively if treated early.
Common Ophthalmologic Procedures
Following a full medical history exam, a thorough eye exam is performed in order to exam the full functionality of the eye and its structure. Numerous diagnostic and treatment approaches are performed by ophthalmologists that include:
- Slit lamp eye examination
- Ultrasound
- Electroretinography
- Retinal and fundus photography
- Laser (LASIK)
- Cataract surgery
- Strabismus treatment
- Keratoplasty – cornea surgery
The field of ophthalmology in Israel is leading the way in innovative research and technology. In addition, screening for diabetic patients and age related macular degeneration play an important role in reducing the incidence of visual impairment and blindness.
