Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist who deals with the treatment and prevention of eye diseases, as well as the study of the physiology and anatomy of the eye.
History of the profession
The first attempts to treat eye diseases were carried out in the 1st century BC. The famous philosopher and scientist Cornelius Celsus distinguished the iris, chambers and ciliary body of the eyes. Thanks to the research of the scientist, glaucoma and cataracts were first identified, and the technique of cataract pressure was improved, which was used until the end of the 16th century.
Arab scholars also drew knowledge from ancient civilizations and applied it in practice. Ibn Haytham wrote a book on optics, which became the basis for the further creation of glasses and the theory of vision. Ibn Sina, in his treatise "The Canon of Medicine", developed a guide to eye diseases, which was used in European countries for 600 years.
In the 19th century, the first ophthalmic operations were performed by the surgeon J. Critchet from England. He is one of the founders of modern ophthalmology.
Currently, the profession of an ophthalmologist covers a wide area of expertise. In the United States, these specialists are trained for 4 years in a bachelor's degree, and then another 4 years in a doctor of ophthalmology. Also, this area of medicine is an additional discipline that is studied in medical residency.
Ophthalmology covers various aspects of the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of eye diseases, as well as diseases of the brain that affect vision.
In the United States and Europe, the ophthalmologist's curriculum includes vision science, pharmacology, fundamentals of diagnostic and medical care, neurology, visual psychophysics, and optics. Also, in the learning process, aspects of functional vision, therapy, anatomy, visual perception, histology, etc. are studied.
The ophthalmologist works closely with other professionals, including an ophthalmologist, optometrist, physiologist and psychotherapist.
An ophthalmologist may refer a patient to an optometrist for vision restoration, optical devices, or contact lenses.
An ophthalmologist can carry out prophylaxis, examination and treatment of both adult patients and children. A children's ophthalmologist checks eyesight, identifies eye diseases. These include cataracts, thorns, glaucoma, ritonopathy and others.
Also, a children's ophthalmologist is engaged in vision correction. There are several methods: refractive therapy, drug therapy, and optical therapy. Only in extreme cases does a pediatric ophthalmologist use surgery.
The specifics of the medical activity of an ophthalmologist
The ophthalmologist is engaged in medical activities in the clinic and the eye department of the hospital, as well as in specialized clinics and dispensaries. This specialist can work in scientific centers, research institutes and organizations involved in the study of eye diseases.
The ophthalmologist receives appointments every day, conducts examinations, checks visual acuity and measures intraocular pressure, and also determines the state of the fundus. An appointment with an ophthalmologist is both planned and emergency with immediate assistance to the patient.
Patients with advanced illnesses should see an ophthalmologist regularly.
This physician must accept the complaints and wishes of the patients. The ophthalmologist receives positive reviews when prescribing procedures appropriate for the disease and using an effective treatment method.
In case of serious visual impairment, the doctor prescribes an operation, including for trauma, cataracts, severe myopia and glaucoma.
In case of severe damage to the cornea of the eye, the ophthalmologist performs a transplant and uses modern bio- and nanotechnology. Nowadays, in many countries there is a possibility of an artificial cornea transplant. The ophthalmologist also receives good reviews after a high-quality operation without corneal rejection.
Duties of an ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist must be a responsible, competent and professional medical specialist with good motor skills, high accuracy and ethical work. This specialist must constantly study new technologies and apply modern methods of treating eye diseases.
The ophthalmologist must have a high level of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as well as other fundamental areas of medicine.
Ophthalmologist consultation and types of diagnostics
Currently, due to the high development of technology, the number of patients with eye diseases has increased dramatically. Both children and adolescents and adult patients are registered for an ophthalmologist's appointment. The ophthalmologist will receive positive reviews if he uses the most effective diagnostic methods.
To identify eye diseases, the doctor uses the following diagnostic methods:
- tonometry, which is the measurement of pressure inside the eyes;
- ophthalmoscopy, which is an examination of the fundus and eyeball using a lens;
- visometry, designed to establish visual acuity;
- skiascopy, which is used to determine the degree of astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia;
- iridology, which is an unconventional method for studying changes and diseases of the eye of a pathological and hereditary nature.
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