OPHTHALMOLOGY
What is an ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. Their advanced training in ophthalmology allows them to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions compared to an optometrist. An ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats all ocular conditions and performs surgeries.
The requirements to become an ophthalmologist are four years of college and four years of medical school, four to five years of additional hands-on training. Once the training is completed, future ophthalmologists need a certification with the American Board of Ophthalmology. This certification involves written and oral exams.
EYE DISEASES WE TREAT
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive vision condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. The condition damages the optic nerve, which carries the information from your eyes to the visual center in your brain.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens within your eyes. For people with cataracts, seeing through a clouded lens is a bit like looking through a frosted or fogged up window. Cataracts are very common and part of the natural aging process.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects your eyes. It is caused by damages to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye called the retina. Symptoms can range from mild to severe visual disturbances.
Pterygium
Pterygium is a visible growth that starts on the conjunctiva membrane that covers the white part of the eye over the cornea. This benign and non cancerous wedge-like growth is due primarily to UV damage. It is a very common eye condition with more than 3 million cases in the US per year.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a severe ocular emergency where the thin layer of tissue, the retina, pulls away from its normal position. Patients can experience sudden flashes of light and dark spots in their field of vision. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 10 million Americans. More than glaucoma and cataracts combined. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the Retina, known as the macula.
Stye
A stye (or hordeolum) appears in the form of an inflamed oil gland on the margin of the eyelid. It appears as a red, swollen nodule that resembles a pimple in appearance.
