👁️ What is Ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and vision problems.
Doctors who specialize in this field are called Ophthalmologists 👨⚕️👩⚕️.
🔬 What Do Ophthalmologists Do?
- 👁️ Examine eye health
- 🔍 Diagnose and treat eye diseases
- 👓 Prescribe glasses/contact lenses
- ⚙️ Perform eye surgeries (e.g., cataracts, LASIK)
- 🧪 Manage vision issues related to other health conditions (like diabetes)
🧿 Common Eye Conditions
| 🩺 Condition | 📋 Description |
|---|---|
| 👓 Refractive Errors | Blurry vision due to shape of the eye (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) |
| 🌫️ Cataracts | Clouding of the eye lens, common with aging |
| 🧠 Glaucoma | Increased eye pressure, can lead to blindness |
| 🔴 Conjunctivitis | “Pink Eye” – inflammation of the outer eye lining |
| ⚡ Macular Degeneration | Affects central vision, common in elderly |
| 💉 Diabetic Retinopathy | Eye damage from diabetes, may cause blindness |
| 🦠 Eye Infections | Caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies |
🔍 Diagnostic Tools in Ophthalmology
- 🔬 Slit Lamp Exam – magnifies structures in the eye
- 📸 Retinal Imaging – scans the back of the eye
- 📈 Visual Field Test – checks peripheral vision
- 💡 Ophthalmoscope – examines the retina and optic nerve
- 🔦 Tonometry – measures eye pressure (for glaucoma)
🛡️ Eye Care Tips
- 😎 Wear UV-protective sunglasses
- 💻 Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 min, look 20 ft away for 20 sec)
- 🚫 Avoid rubbing your eyes
- 👓 Use the correct prescription lenses
- 🩺 Get annual eye exams, especially if over 40 or diabetic
- 🍎 Eat eye-healthy foods (carrots, leafy greens, fish)