What does an ophthalmologist do? Diagnostics, treatment and preventive measures

Proven content

An ophthalmologist is a specialist who deals with the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of eye diseases, as well as its auxiliary devices, i.e. the eyelids, conjunctiva, tear organ or external muscles. In what cases is it worth visiting an ophthalmologist? How is the visit to the ophthalmological office and what tests can the doctor perform? When should you consult your ailment with an ophthalmologist, and when should you turn to an optometrist or optician for help?

Ophthalmology – basic information

Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that includes the structure, activities, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and auxiliary devices.

Ophthalmology is a field known for millennia. According to Indian historians, the first ophthalmic surgery they were made about 4,5 thousand years BC, although no sources indicate it. However, the first written mention of an ophthalmic surgery performed is in the Hammurabi Code. In one of the paragraphs of this code you can read the record about the operation to remove an abscess of the lacrimal sac.

It is worth mentioning that the first specialist hospitals, where mainly eye diseases were treated, were established from the second half of the XNUMXth century – in Vienna, then in London, and later in St. Petersburg. In Poland, however the first ophthalmology center was opened in Warsaw in 1823 by Wiktor Feliks Szokalski, who is still considered the father of Polish ophthalmology.

If you want to learn more about the successes of Polish ophthalmology, read: Between Oscar and Copernicus, or how a family passion creates the successes of Polish ophthalmology

Who is an ophthalmologist and what does he do?

The ophthalmologist has a medical degree and is a doctor who specializes in ophthalmology. In the ophthalmologists training system that was in force until recently, the specialization was two-stage. After the first part of the training and passing the exam, the doctor could use the title “ophthalmologist”. However, after fulfilling the requirements of the second-cycle program, he was awarded the title “Specialist ophthalmologist”. Currently, such a title is obtained after completing one-cycle training, which is longer than the individual levels in the previous system. The requirements for obtaining the title are determined by the Medical Center of Postgraduate Education.

Usually, an ophthalmologist is a general practitioner who consults with eye problems.

The tasks performed by an ophthalmologist include not only eye defects tests, prescribing prescriptions or selecting lenses or glasses appropriate for the patient. The ophthalmologist also deals with the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of eye diseases. This specialist also educates patients in the care and hygiene of the eyesight.

The ophthalmologist treats patients of all ages, but it is worth remembering that the child’s first visit should take place around 3 months of age.

How are eye diseases being treated during the coronavirus pandemic? Check: How are eye examinations and treatments carried out in the COVID-19 era? What has changed and how is infection prevented?

What does a pediatric ophthalmologist do?

As already mentioned, the ophthalmologist admits patients of all ages in his office. Children’s ophthalmologist He mainly deals with the diagnosis of vision defects and eye diseases in children and infants. Children from 3 months of age should be enrolled for the first examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist. During such a visit, a pediatric ophthalmologist examines the mobility of the eyeballs and diagnoses the possible presence of strabismus. Subsequent visits to a pediatric ophthalmologist should take place when parents or guardians notice any abnormalities related to the child’s eyesight. Regular check-ups are very important, as they allow to detect vision defects in children and correct them properly at a relatively early stage.

A visit to a pediatric ophthalmologist it is especially indicated in some cases. These include:

1. premature birth – in children who were born prematurely, fundus examination should be performed. Preterm babies are at much higher risk of developing retinopathy, which can lead to loss of vision in the baby;
2. watery or purulent eyes – this condition may indicate obstruction of the nasolacrimal canal. This ailment is treated with the proper surgery;
3. eye trauma;
4. eye infection;
5. an allergy that provokes purulent discharge from the eyes;
6. suspicion of a visual impairment;
7. the occurrence of unequal size and width of the gaps of the eyelids;
8. suspicion of strabismus;
9. visible, abnormal eye structure;
10. nystagmus, i.e. trembling of the eyeballs;
11. a referral from another doctor who suspects other eye diseases in the child.

What is Ophthalmic Surgery?

Ophthalmic specialization can also be narrowed down to ophthalmic surgeryj. Among the tasks performed by an ophthalmic surgeon, surgical operations are mentioned first of all. An ophthalmologist who specializes in surgery most often treats such diseases as glaucoma, squint disease or cataracts. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed ophthalmic procedures. In order to maintain the proper function of the eye, the ophthalmic surgeon will implant an artificial lens with an appropriately selected value.

Surgical operations on the organ of vision are performed with the use of a microscope and various microsurgical tools, such as a laser or ultrasound.

Ophthalmologist and subspecialization

Ophthalmology is a medical specialization with several subspecialties. Among ophthalmologists, you can find specialists who deal with specific diseases. These subspecialties concern:

1. anterior segment surgery;
2. the cornea, that is, the surface of the eye and external diseases;
3. glaucoma;
4. the retina of the eye;
5. vitreo-retinal surgery – this subspecialty concerns the surgical treatment of diseases of the retina and the posterior segment. Medical surgery of the retina and vitreo-retina is sometimes called posterior subspecialty;
6. neuro-ophthalmology;
7. ophthalmic oncology;
8. oculoplasty and orbital surgery;
9. ophthalmic pathology;
10. pediatric ophthalmology;
11. refractive surgery;
12. uveitis.

Do you know what eye refraction is? Check: Eye refraction – what is it and what are its disorders?

What diseases does the ophthalmologist treat?

Generally speaking, the ophthalmologist treats all diseases that affect the eyes and surrounding structures. The most frequently mentioned diseases with which patients visit an ophthalmologist are:

1. eyesight defects – an ophthalmologist diagnoses eye defects, such as myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia;
2. conjunctival diseases – bacterial, viral, herpetic, atopic, allergic or contact conjunctivitis, but also subconjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye syndrome or pigmented lesions;
3. eyelid diseases – malignant and benign tumors of the eyelids, eyelid cancer, eyelid curl, eyelid deviation, eyelid droop, pigmented lesions;
4. diseases of the lacrimal organ – inflammation of the lacrimal sac, inflammation of the lacrimal gland, inflammation of the tear duct;
5. orbital diseases – orbital inflammation, glaucoma, phlegmon;
6. eyeball diseases – keratitis, cataracts, endosperm, retinitis pigmentosa;
7.  optic nerve diseases – optic neuritis, bilateral half-vision.      

What eye diseases are diagnosed most often? Check: The Pole avoids the ophthalmologist like fire. Every third has never been to him!

When should you visit an ophthalmologist?

Regular visits to an ophthalmologist are very important, but very often patients neglect the eyesight, which makes effective treatment in many cases simply impossible. Adults should undergo regular ophthalmological examinations once a year.

In addition to regular visits to the ophthalmologist, it is worth making an appointment in the following cases:

1. deterioration of visual acuity;
2. increased blinking frequency;
3. recurrent inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
4. squinting eyes while reading;
5. visual field disturbances;
6. double vision;
7. frequent headaches, the cause of which remains unrecognized;
8. eye sockets;
9. burning and itching of the eyeball;
10. photophobia;
11. severe eye hyperaemia.

What are the causes of twitching eyelids? Is this a cause for concern? Check: What does eyelid twitch mean, and should it be alarming?

Do I need a referral to an ophthalmologist?

Many patients are not sure if the ophthalmologist is a specialist who can be enrolled without a referral. Well, as part of the NFZ an appointment with an ophthalmologist requires a referral.

All rules in this matter are regulated by the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care services financed from public funds (Journal of Laws 2019.1373 of 2019.07.24).

It is worth mentioning, however, that in accordance with the above Act, some people have the right to visit an ophthalmologist at the National Health Fund without the need to present an appropriate referral. Referrals to an ophthalmologist under the National Health Fund do not need:

1. patients with tuberculosis;
2. HIV infected;
3. war and military invalids, repressed people, veterans, soldiers of alternative military service, people repressed for political reasons or deported to forced labor;
4. civilian blind victims of hostilities;
5. people presenting with addiction;
6. people reporting for co-addiction;
7. eligible soldiers and workers for the treatment of injuries;
8. children and adolescents as part of psychological, therapeutic or environmental services.

How is an ophthalmologist visit?

The course of the visit to the ophthalmologist may vary depending on the reason for the patient’s visit. However, during a standard visit to an ophthalmologist, the following can be specified:

1. medical interview – the doctor will ask about diagnosed eye diseases, observed vision problems, chronic or past general diseases, family history of eye diseases or diet;
2. distance visual acuity assessment;
3. assessment of near vision acuity;
4. eye examination with a slit lamp;
5. fundus examination;
6. measurement of intraocular pressure
7. detailed assessment of the optic disc;
8. visual field examination.

How to prepare for a medical appointment during the coronavirus pandemic? Check: How to use medical care in the era of coronavirus?

What tests does an ophthalmologist perform?

The tests performed by an ophthalmologist are mentioned in the previous paragraph. What exactly are the tests performed by the ophthalmologist and what do they consist of?

1. Assessment of visual acuity – this is the most popular test performed in an ophthalmological office. They are performed practically during every visit to the ophthalmologist. This examination allows you to assess the quality of vision, and also makes it possible to exclude diseases that damage eyesight. In order for the result to be more accurate, a computerized eye test is used. In most cases, the so-called visual acuity test is used. Snellen tables.
2. Visual field examination – otherwise known as perimetry. This test allows you to assess how much of the image is seen by the patient’s eye when looking at one central point. This test is used primarily in the diagnosis of glaucoma.
3. Fundus examination – is a test that assesses the structures that line the inside of the eyeball. During the examination, the ophthalmologist assesses the condition of the eye’s retina and blood vessels. The fundus examination is performed during ophthalmoscopy. It is worth mentioning that this test is used not only in ophthalmic diseases, but also in cardiological, diabetic and neurological diseases.
4. Eye ultrasound examination – it is not a test that is performed very often. Typically, an ultrasound of the eye is performed prior to cataract surgery. The aim of the test is to assess the lens and take biometric measurements of the eye. The examination is completely safe, quick and painless for the patient.
5. Measurement of pressure in the eyeball -this is a test that should be performed by all people over 40 years of age. This is the best screening test for glaucoma. It is this disease that is the most common cause of increased pressure in the eyeball.
6. Optical coherence tomography – OCT in short is a very specialized fundus examination in which cross-sections of selected eye elements are obtained. The examination is painless for the patient and takes only a few minutes.

What else is worth knowing about ophthalmological examinations? Check: Ophthalmological examination

Ophthalmologist vs optician, refractionist and optometrist – what’s the difference?

Optician, ophthalmologist, optometrist and refractionist are specialists who work closely together. Each of them is responsible for the proper functioning of the eye and the quality of vision, but each to a different degree and scope:

1. optics – is the person responsible for making glasses for the patient based on the prescription issued by the ophthalmologist. Glasses can also be made by an optician based on tests performed by an optometrist. The optician also deals with the maintenance and repair of damaged glasses. Many opticians complete postgraduate studies, which give them the right to independently conduct tests in order to select the correct eyeglass correction;
2. optometrist – is a person who deals with refraction tests and supplying the patient with visual aids. An optometrist diagnoses eye diseases and directs the patient to proper rehabilitation related to vision correction. The main task of the optometrist is to choose the appropriate optical correction for the patient, including glasses or contact lenses;
3. refractionist – is a person who deals with the refractive errors of the optical system of the eyes, i.e. myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia. The refractionist selects glasses or contact lenses that are helpful in correcting the aforementioned vision defects. Qualification to practice as a refractionist can be obtained by completing vocational courses or post-secondary optics school.

What are progressive lenses and how much do they cost? Check: Progressive lenses

How long does it take to see an ophthalmologist?

The waiting time for an appointment with an ophthalmologist depends on several factors. The popularity of the doctor or the place where the surgery is located is important. It is difficult to say exactly how long you have to wait for an appointment with an ophthalmologist. According to the data provided by the clinics, the shortest waiting time for an appointment with an ophthalmologist is about 49 days and it concerns the Lubelskie Voivodeship. The longest waiting time is even 208 days, which applies to the Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodship.

How much does a private visit to an ophthalmologist cost?

Prices for visits to ophthalmologists they vary depending on the selected specialist and the city in which his office is located. On average, it is estimated that a private visit to an ophthalmologist can cost from 150 to 250 PLN. This amount usually includes a package of basic ophthalmic examinations.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.