Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery focused on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye and visual system. It encompasses medical and surgical care to preserve or restore vision, prevent blindness, and treat disorders affecting the eye and its surrounding structures. Ophthalmology covers clinical specialties including anterior segment (cornea, lens, glaucoma), posterior segment (retina, vitreous), refractive surgery, oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, and ocular oncology.

Diagnostic methods include comprehensive eye examinations, tonometry for intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, imaging tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, and visual field testing. Treatments range from medical management with eye drops and systemic medications to surgical interventions such as cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, glaucoma laser and incisional procedures, vitreoretinal surgery, corneal transplantation, and refractive procedures such as LASIK or SMILE.

Training typically requires a medical degree and a residency in ophthalmology, with further fellowships for sub-specialization. Ophthalmology is practiced in hospitals, clinics, and eye-care centers worldwide, often in collaboration with optometrists and other health professionals. Common conditions include cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, conjunctivitis, and ocular trauma. Public health considerations include screening, access to vision care, and prevention of blindness through vaccination, injury prevention, and management of systemic diseases that affect the eye.