What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?
Your eyes are complex organs, and changes in your vision can sometimes indicate a condition requiring medical attention. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and helping prevent diseases and injuries affecting the eyes and vision.
Unlike other eye-care professionals, ophthalmologists are trained to provide comprehensive medical and surgical eye care. They can perform routine eye examinations, prescribe medications, diagnose serious eye diseases, and perform procedures ranging from laser treatments to advanced eye surgery.
At Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons, our experienced ophthalmologists provide specialized eye care for patients throughout Las Vegas and Southern Nevada.
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
An ophthalmologist is a physician who has completed medical school followed by specialized residency training in the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Some ophthalmologists complete additional fellowship training to focus on a particular area of eye care.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ophthalmologists have advanced medical and surgical training that allows them to diagnose and treat a complete range of eye conditions. American Academy of Ophthalmology
The correct spelling is “ophthalmologist,” although it is frequently misspelled as “opthamologist.”
What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?
An ophthalmologist helps protect, preserve, and improve a patient’s vision. Depending on the doctor’s area of expertise, an ophthalmologist may:
- Perform comprehensive and dilated eye examinations
- Diagnose eye diseases and vision disorders
- Prescribe medications and other treatments
- Perform laser procedures and eye injections
- Perform cataract and other eye surgeries
- Treat eye injuries and infections
- Monitor chronic eye conditions
- Evaluate eye symptoms related to other medical conditions
- Prescribe glasses or contact lenses when appropriate
- Provide urgent treatment for eye emergencies
Because ophthalmologists are physicians, they also understand how conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders can affect the eyes.
What Conditions Does an Ophthalmologist Treat?
Ophthalmologists diagnose and manage many common and complex eye conditions, including:
Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. This can cause blurred vision, glare, difficulty driving at night, and faded colors. An ophthalmologist can monitor cataract progression and perform cataract surgery when the condition begins interfering with daily activities.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. It frequently develops without noticeable symptoms during its early stages. Ophthalmologists can diagnose glaucoma and provide treatment with prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery.
Retinal Conditions
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Retina specialists diagnose and treat conditions such as:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal tears
- Retinal detachment
- Macular holes
- Macular puckers
- Retinal vein occlusions
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Flashes and floaters
Some retinal symptoms require immediate evaluation because delaying treatment could result in permanent vision loss.
Corneal Conditions
The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. Ophthalmologists may treat dry eye disease, corneal infections, keratoconus, corneal injuries, and other disorders affecting the cornea.
Pediatric Eye Conditions
Pediatric ophthalmologists receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating eye problems in infants, children, and teenagers. These may include amblyopia, childhood cataracts, blocked tear ducts, and strabismus.
Eyelid and Tear-Duct Conditions
Ophthalmologists specializing in oculoplastics treat medical and cosmetic conditions involving the eyelids, tear ducts, eye socket, and surrounding facial structures. These conditions may include drooping eyelids, entropion, ectropion, eyelid lesions, and blocked tear ducts.
Eye Infections and Inflammation
An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat infections and inflammatory conditions affecting different parts of the eye. These may include conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis.
Schedule an Appointment With a Las Vegas Ophthalmologist
Whether you need a routine medical eye examination, evaluation of new symptoms, management of an existing condition, or advanced surgical care, the ophthalmology team at Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons is here to help.
Our practice includes experienced ophthalmologists and eye-care professionals across multiple specialties, allowing patients to receive coordinated care for a broad range of vision and eye-health needs.
Call (702) 358-0472 to schedule an appointment with Meadows Eye Physicians & Surgeons.