All About Ophthalmologists - By: Lorabella A

You should have faith in your ophthalmologist to give u precise and accurate information about your eye worries and to keep your personal information confidential and provide you courteous help. Your role is to provide all the information you can about your problem so that your ophthalmologist can help correct your problem. Remember many eye diseases can be prevented with timely help and intervention. There are many eye diseases that do not have visible symptoms for months or even years. That is the reason regular visits at proper intervals are advised. In many cases, early treatment of crossed eyes, glaucoma, eye disease, and other types of macular deterioration can prevent loss of vision or even blindness.

An ophthalmologist eye M.D is a medical or osteopathic doctor whose specialty is eye and vision care. He provides a spectrum of eye care. Ophthalmologists are trained specially to provide full eye care, from prescribing eyeglasses to contact lenses to intricate and fine eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also doing scientific research and making great breakthroughs in eye diseases and vision problems.

As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is licenced and can practice surgery and medicine. He can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, performs complicated eye surgeries and prescribes and fits eyewear.

How to Become an Ophthalmologist

To become an ophthalmologist, a person has to complete four years of college, four years of medical college, one year internship, three years internship in a hospital which should involve surgery and medicine.

After internship, a certified ophthalmologist must pass a rigorous two part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Specializations

While all ophthalmologists are specialists in eye problems and can treat all conditions, some decide to specialize in a specific area of expertise. This person is then called a sub specialist. He usually completes a fellowship, which is one or two years of additional training in the specific chosen area. Common areas of specializations are: glaucoma, retina, pediatrics and plastic surgery.

Income and Private Practice

As is true with other physicians, ophthalmologists can either establish their own private practice by themselves or in partnership with another physician. They can also work as an employee in a hospital or a clinic. According to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), the average income for an opthalmologist is $349,766.

Ophthlmologists are licensed by the regulatory board of the state to play their role in the practice of medicine and common surgical procedures. Also, they are board certified, which implies that they have successfully cleared an intensive two part examination that tests whether or not they are equipped to provide expert care.

When You Should See an Ophthalmologist

You should see an ophthalmologist if any or more of the following symptoms occur:

and bull;Blurred vision

and bull;Distorted vision

and bull;New floaters (specs floating around) or flashes of light

and bull;A curtain blocking light

and bull;An eye injury or eye pain

and bull;Red eye

and bull;Bulging of one or both eyes

and bull;Double vision

and bull;Loss of peripheral (side vision)

and bull;High blood pressure

and bull;Diabetes

and bull;AIDS

and bull;A family history of eye disease

and bull;Eyelid abnormalities.

After the ophthalmologist examines the patient, he will be told of the follow up procedures.

Recommended Checkups

Adults age 20 to 64, who show no signs of eye disease should also get an eye disease screening done at age 40, the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision become apparent. After the initial test and examination, your ophthalmologist will tell you when to come for a follow up exam. After the age of 65, it is recommended to have a check up every year or every second year.

Your ophthalmologist will discuss your eye examination and if your eyes healthy you may not need any vision correction at all. Sometimes eye diseases can be treated with medication like eye drops or pills. Other diseases might require laser surgery or correctional procedures. Your ophthalmologist will make sure you are provided with all the treatment you need.

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