Ophthalmologist


ophthalmologist doctors consultation

What is an ophthalmologist? It is a normal question if you have heard of this professional, especially when you do not know what exactly his function consists of. Keep reading and learn about the importance of it, along with the tests it performs to take care of your visual well-being.

What does an ophthalmologist do?

The ophthalmologist, also known as an oculist, is in charge of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pathologies related to the visual area , the optic pathway and their annexes. The latter includes the eyelids, tear ducts, and extraocular muscles; although he can also specialize in even more specific areas, doing complementary studies to acquire a specialty.

With them you can attend a consultation to perform a visual examination and thus diagnose diseases. They are the only ones with permission to prescribe medical indications (prescription of drugs), perform surgeries for the treatment of ocular pathologies or for the application of lasers .

It is important to go to this specialist before the appearance of any discomfort, pain, loss of vision or suspicion of any disease at the eye level. Likewise, if you suffer from any pathology, such as a cataract, for example, the oculist is in charge of making the corresponding assessment and making decisions about what should be done about it .

What is an ophthalmological test?

Ophthalmologists are those who have the power to perform ophthalmological diagnostic tests , after having made a review or study of the patient. There are some that are performed with routine equipment and others, less common, that require specialized instruments. That is why there are different types and are performed to determine or rule out more specific pathologies.

The Refraction

During this test the specialist places an eye chart about six meters from the patient . The idea is to put different types of lenses to evaluate his type of focus and thus obtain the prescription he needs to improve his vision. This test is used to diagnose conditions such as nearsightedness , astigmatism , farsightedness , or presbyopia .

Slit lamp examination

It is used to detect cataracts in time, especially when they have not presented symptoms. During the test, the oculist makes an analysis of the entire structure of the eye and with this can determine how it is or if the disease can develop.

Dry Eye Test

It is a test that is carried out to measure the lubrication capacity of the patient . For this, it is necessary to know the quality and quantity of tears that the eye secretes, in addition to the operation of the tear drainage system.

Visual acuity

It is well known, because it is done using an optometric reading table. With it, the sharpness with which the patient sees and his ability to focus is determined.

ocular motility

It is a test in which the movement of the eye muscles is analyzed , as well as the position and coordination of the eyes.

Visual field

Visual field is a test used to determine specific problems in central or peripheral vision .

optical coherence tomography

This test is known as OCT and serves to fully understand the state of the eyes , through an advanced imaging technique.

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