|
|
|
| |
An Ophthalmologist (eye specialist) is a medical doctor with additional
specialised training in all aspects of eye care – medical, surgical and optical.
How is an ophthalmologist different from an optometrist and an optician?
Ophthalmologists are different from optometrists and opticians in their training
and in what they can diagnose and treat. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist
is licensed to practise medicine and surgery. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and
treats all eye diseases, performs eye surgery and prescribes and fits glasses
and contact lenses.
Ophthalmologists complete :
5 years of medical school
2 years of internship
1 year of community service
4 years, at least, of residency (hospital-based training) in the diagnosis and
medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders.
An optometrist is not a doctor, but someone who is licensed to practise
optometry. Optometrists determine the need for glasses and contact lens and
prescribe optical corrections. Optometrists do not perform surgery. Optometrists
attend five years of college. They do not attend Medical School and are not
trained in systemic diseases of the body.
An optician fits, adjusts and dispenses glasses, contact lenses and other
optical devices on written prescriptions of a licensed ophthalmologist or
optometrist. Training for an optician varies.
How does an ophthalmologist become certified?
After five years of medical school, two years of internship and one year of
community service in a hospital, a future ophthalmologist must complete four to
five years of internship at an academic hospital. The future ophthalmologist
must then pass a rigorous two-part examination given by the College of Medicine
of South Africa or the Medical Schools at one of the Universities.
What is a Subspecialist?
While all ophthalmologists specialise in eye problems and can treat all
conditions, some decide to specialise in a specific area of medical or surgical
eye care. This person is called a subspecialist. He or she usually completes a
fellowship, which is one or two more years of training in the chosen area. Some
subspecialists focus on the treatment of a disease, such as glaucoma. Others
subspecialise in a particular part of the eye such as the retina. Paediatric
ophthalmologists subspecialise in treating eye disease in children.
When should I see an Ophthalmologist?
You should have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist if you have:
- decreased vision, even if temporary;
- new floaters (black "strings" or specks in the vision);
- flashes of light;
- curtain or veil blocking vision;
- haloes (coloured circles around lights);
- significant eye injury or eye pain;
- bulging of one or both eyes;
- crossed eyes;
- double vision;
- loss of peripheral vision;
- diabetes mellitus;
- AIDS;
- thyroid disease-related eye problems (Graves' disease);
- family history of eye disease.
You should also see an ophthalmologist if your family doctor, paediatrician or
internist refers you to one.
When there are no particular problems, recommended intervals for eye
examinations are:
Newborn, pre-school and pre-teen: Eye exams should be given by a paediatrician,
family doctor or ophthalmologist at the following intervals:
- newborn to 3 months
- 6 months to one year
- 3 years old
- 5 years old
- later as needed
20 to 29 years of age: At least once during this period; Africans, because of
greater risk for glaucoma, should be seen every 3 to 5 years.
30 to 39 years of age: At least twice during this period; African, because of
greater risk for glaucoma, should be seen every 2 to 4 years.
40 to 64 years of age: Every 2 to 4 years.
65 years or older: Every 1 to 2 years.
What happens during an eye examination?
Your ophthalmologist and his or her assistants ask about your current symptoms
and review your medical history. Eye drops to dilate your eyes may or may not be
used during the examination. The examination typically evaluates:
- visual acuity;
- need for eyeglasses or contact lenses (refraction);
- eyelid health and function;
- coordination of eye muscles;
- pupil response to light;
- side (peripheral) vision;
- intra-ocular pressure (pressure inside the eye);
- anterior segment in the eye;
- the interior and back of the eye.
What treatments are available for my eyes?
Your ophthalmologist will discuss the results of your eye examination with you.
If your eyes are healthy, you may only need eyeglasses or contact lenses to
correct your vision.
Some eye diseases are treated with medication, such as eye drops or pills. Other
diseases may require laser surgery or other surgical procedures.
Your ophthalmologist can provide you with the treatment you need, or, in some
cases, may refer you to a subspecialist.
Some eye conditions cannot be cured. Nevertheless, your ophthalmologist can
offer counselling and support while monitoring your condition.
Good medical care is based on a co-operative relationship between you and your
doctor. You should trust your ophthalmologist to give you accurate information
about your eye problem and tell you about the risks and benefits of treatment
options.
You should also trust your ophthalmologist to keep your personal information
confidential, and to provide care with courtesy and respect. Your role in this
co-operative relationship is to ask your ophthalmologist questions about your
problem and treatment options, and tell him or her about any other health
factors that may affect your condition.
Loss of sight may be prevented! Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms for
months or years. Therefore, regular visits to your ophthalmologist should be as
important as regular visits to your family doctor. In many cases, early
treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, crossed eyes and some forms of
macular degeneration can prevent loss of sight and even blindness.
Together, you and your ophthalmologist can work toward the goal of protecting
your sight through early diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
