What is ophthalmology and what is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the
anatomy, physiology, pathology, and treatment of the eye and its
surrounding structures. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of
medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine who specializes in
diagnosing and treating ocular disease and other eye conditions.
The practice also focuses on regions surrounding the eye,
including the tear ducts and eyelids. Ophthalmologists are
required to complete residency training, which lasts a minimum
of 4 years, but they may also subspecialize by going through
fellowship training. Board certification and licensure are
required to practice this specialty. What conditions does an
ophthalmologist treat, and what procedures are performed?
Ophthalmologists treat a long list of eye conditions such as
detached or torn retina, adult macular degeneration ,
blepharitis (swollen eyelids), bacterial keratitis (infection of
the cornea), glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) and more. O