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The only types of eye specialists who are also actual physicians, and ophthalmologists focus on the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system to prevent injury and disease. Although trained to provide total vision care, including examinations and standard vision services, eye doctors spend most of their time treating more serious conditions, disorders, and diseases that cause visual disturbances. Here are the most common ones.
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The only types of eye specialists who are also actual physicians, and ophthalmologists focus on the medical and surgical care of the eyes and visual system to prevent injury and disease. Although trained to provide total vision care, including examinations and standard vision services, eye doctors spend most of their time treating more serious conditions, disorders, and diseases that cause visual disturbances. Here are the most common ones. Glaucoma A leading cause of blindness, glaucoma is a disease that strikes the optic nerve, causing gradual vision loss. At last count, more than three million Americans were living with it. Because glaucoma can cause irreversible damage to eyesight, it must be treated ASAP. An experienced ophthalmologist may prescribe pills or drops to prevent permanent impairment. If medications do not achieve the desired results, surgery may be the only option. Cataracts A common, age-related condition, cataracts are cloudy areas that form on the lens of the eye. If left untreated, they can diminish visual acuity to a significant degree. The good news is that they are almost 100 percent treatable with a simple surgical procedure. Retinal Diseases A layer of nerve cells at the back of the eyeball, the retina delivers light impulses to the brain, where they are recognized as visual images. Because it is an extremely delicate, intricate structure, the retina is vulnerable to a number of different diseases and disorders. Probably the most common of these is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The disease affects a small area at the center of the retina called the macula, causing a decline in visual acuity. An
estimated 15 million Americans struggle with it on a daily basis. As long as they are caught early, conditions that strike the retina can be managed successfully with medical treatment. Corneal Conditions Another extremely sensitive structure, the cornea is the clear window of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. From scratches to dryness to inflammation, there are several things that can cause corneal issues. Whether the condition is the result of an injury or an infection, an ophthalmologist will most likely prescribe ointments or antibiotic drops to treat these common problems. Eyelid Issues By lubricating and cleaning the lenses through blinking, our eyelids play an important role in our visual health. As such, disorders that affect the vital structure require immediate medical attention. When caused by a weakening of the muscles that control the eyelid, an ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to tighten the eyelid and return it to its normal position. Pediatric Conditions Not every vision problem is caused by aging. A handful of issues are more likely to emerge during childhood or adolescence. The two most common pediatric disorders are amblyopia and strabismus. Better known as “lazy eye” and “crossed eyes” respectively, these conditions can often be corrected with prescription eyeglasses. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to go under the knife to correct these visual defects. An experienced ophthalmologist can provide treatment for all of the aforementioned conditions, diseases, and disorders.