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By Mattie Knight


The physiology, anatomy, and disorders, conditions diseases affecting the eye are studied under a branch of medicine called ophthalmology. Practitioners in this field of study are referred to as ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are specialists of both surgery and medicine because they can treat diseases as well perform surgical operations on the eyes. When one is in need of well experienced yet affordable ophthalmologist San Antonio should be the first place to visit. There are many specialists in this area worth consulting.

The term ophthalmology originates from the Greek language. When the two Greek words that make up the term are translated into English, they literally mean the science of the eye. The discipline is not confined to human eye alone, but applies to animal eyes in a similar fashion. The reason for this lack of difference is that the differences between human and animal eyes are anatomical, but disease processes remain the same.

Ophthalmologists are specialists of medicine with concentration on eyes. They are awarded two kinds of degrees, either an osteopathic degree of a medical degree. Their specialty entails the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of all illnesses affecting visual systems and eyes in general. An undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for joining a medical school to study ophthalmology.

After college education, one goes into medical school for another four years. After graduation from the medical school, a year is spent on internship in various departments including pediatrics, surgery, general medicine, or internal medicine. Finally comes hospital-based residency that takes between three and four years. Ophthalmologists are more trained in eye and vision problems than optometrists and opticians. They can handle more problems and are trained differently.

Ophthalmologists are meant to treat all types of patients. Ages vary from zero to the oldest man alive. Treating and diagnosing all kinds of eye diseases are their main responsibilities. Treatment may be in form of prescription of medications or performance of surgery. They also prescribe and fit contact lenses and glasses for patients with vision problems.

It is also the duty of ophthalmologists to handle all legal documentation to certify that an individual is blind or partially sighted. In the course of their job, they collaborate with other professionals in the field of medicine and outside the field on matters relating to a patient. They communicate to family members about the situation of a patient and offer directions. Most of them perform surgery during daytime and never stay overnight.

Ophthalmologists can also work members of research projects to determine causes and cures for certain eye defects. It is common some ophthalmologists to train in both ophthalmology and general medicine. The number of those who do this is limited, and they are more involved with general medicine than eye problems. Some of the places ophthalmologists work in include laser eye surgery clinics, outpatient clinics, operating theatres, outpatient clinics, and hospital eye casualty departments.

Like other fields in medicine, ophthalmology also has several sub-specialties. The sub-specialties either handle certain diseases or diseases that affects certain regions of the eye. Some of the main sub-specialties include ocular oncology, oculplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, immunology, medical retina, glaucoma, cataracts, anterior segment surgery, and eveitis.




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