Your eyes are an important part of your health, and eye care is an integral part of your well-being. Eye care improves and maintains your vision, and also helps detect any underlying medical conditions.
Ophthalmology Hamilton department is a study of medical conditions relating to the eye.
An introduction to ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the health of the eye, which also involves vision care. It includes the anatomy, physiology, and diseases that may affect your eye.
Eye specialists known as ophthalmologists, can determine the way your eyes function in coordination with your brain, nerves, blood vessels, and the entire body. This facilitates the specialists to customize your eye care and design the most effective treatment plan that focuses on your whole body and is not confined only to your eyes.
Subspecialties in ophthalmology
Ophthalmology deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of almost all eye conditions and visual issues.
The following conditions are monitored and treated by ophthalmologists:
- Glaucoma
- Retinal diseases, and damage
- Corneal conditions
- Cataracts
- Cases involving children (disease, or trauma), or childhood eye conditions
- Cases with neurological causes such as optic nerve problems, or vision loss
- Cases involving complex surgical procedures like reconstructive surgery or advanced vision repair
Importance of ophthalmology screening
Regular ophthalmology screenings are essential to monitor the health of your eyes. It also aids in detecting certain eye conditions (glaucoma, or cataracts) at an early stage for prompt treatment to prevent any complications.
Your eye specialists will review your medical history to check for diseases that can increase your risk of eye problems like diabetes, or hypertension. Furthermore, the specialist will evaluate your complaints about your vision and other eye-related problems. This helps them determine the ideal eye exam required and the frequency of these screenings.
Most often you will be recommended eye exams at least once a year, but you may need frequent exams based on your age and individual circumstances. Age-related eye conditions (such as macular degeneration) require timely monitoring and detection through appointments that can prevent the worsening of these conditions.
Warning signs that require ophthalmology care
Seek immediate ophthalmology care if you notice the following warning signs:
- Severe, sudden eye pain
- Vision loss
- Excruciating eye pain
- Noticing flashes or floaters
- Blood is seen on your contact lenses
- Severe pricking sensation due to a foreign object stuck in your eye
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- Chemicals in your eye
Summary
Ophthalmology is a subspecialty of medicine that helps diagnose and treat eye conditions and prevent any permanent damage to the eyes. It is essential to get regular eye exams to prevent eye diseases or treat them at an early stage. This greatly enhances your quality of life.
