The sense of sight is at the heart of ophthalmology. From a “glance” to “eye level”—the importance of this sense is evident even in our language. Ophthalmology—also known as the study of the eye or, in highly technical terms, ophthalmiatry—is the study of the structure and function of the organ of vision. And, of course, it involves the study of diseases and functional disorders of the eye, its accessory structures, and the sense of sight. And finally—not to be forgotten—the medical treatment of these diseases and disorders.
Numerous examination techniques and tests are commonly used in ophthalmology. These include slit-lamp examinations, in which the eye is viewed stereoscopically, and ophthalmoscopy, in which the posterior segments of the eye are examined using a mirror. If foreign bodies are suspected to be present under the eyelids, ectropion—the eversion of the upper eyelid—is considered. Ophthalmologists have access to the most delicate and highly advanced tools available.
In addition to foreign bodies, chemical burns are among the most common injuries to the eye area. Among the most frequently occurring conditions is diabetic retinopathy—that is, damage to the retina caused by diabetes. Correcting vision problems and treating glaucoma are just as much a part of an ophthalmologist’s routine practice as corneal transplants and treating malignant melanomas.
Incidentally, ophthalmology is also one of the subspecialties of surgery. In fact, the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide falls within the scope of ophthalmology: it is cataract surgery.