Ophthalmology

Eye Health and Diseases (Ophthalmology)

1. What Is Ophthalmology?
2. What Are Types of Opthalmologic Diseases?
3. What Are Diagnostic Methods of Ophthalmology?
4. What Are Treatment Methods of Ophthalmology?
5. What Should We Do For Eye Health?

What Is Ophthalmology?

The ophthalmology is a medical branch concerning eye diseases and eye health. It involves anatomy, physiology, function of the eyes as well as eye diseases and its treatments. Moreover, this medical branch covers some issues such as eyesight, eye health, eye injuries, eye infections, eye surgery and other eye diseases.

Eye doctors are called “ophthalmologist”. After graduating from medical faculty, the ophthalmologists receive advanced level of education and training to become specialized in the field of ophthalmology. The ophthalmologists diagnose, treat and manage the eye diseases. Among those treatments, there are regular eye examination, eyeglass or optic lens prescriptions, medication treatment, surgical procedures and other treatment methods.

The ophthalmology focuses on a series of targets such as preservation of eye health, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, treatment of eye injuries and improvement of visual disorders. Regular eye examination is recommended to preserve eye health and prevent visual disorders.

The ophthalmology, on the other hand, may be divided into various subfields and specialities. For example, there are several subfields such as retinal diseases or corneal diseases. The ophthalmologists can cooperate with other physicians concerning eye health and diseases, and can particularly play an active role in situations that require multidisciplinary treatment.

The ophthalmology is a medical discipline studying complex structure, function and diseases of the eyes. It is of vital importance to pay attention to eye health, get regular eye examination and see an ophthalmologist in case of a discomfort or problem in the eyes.

What Are Types of Ophthalmologic Diseases?

Eye health includes normal function, good eyesight and health of the eyes. However, various ophthalmologic diseases and problems may develop. Some of the common ophthalmologic diseases and problems are as follows:

Myopia: The myopia is a visual impairment causing blurred distance vision. While near objects appear clear, the objects farther away are perceived blurry.

Hypermetropia: The hypermetropia is a visual impairment causing blurred near vision. While the distant objects are seen clearer, the near objects may be blurry.

Astigmatism: The astigmatism is a visual impairment because of irregular corneal or lens shape, which results in improper focus of the light. With astigmatism, your vision may be blurry at all distances.

Cataract: The cataract is a condition causing blurriness in natural lens of the eye. The cataract may be caused by various factors such as aging, genetic factors, eye injury, diabetes mellitus and some medications. Some signs develop in cataract such as blurry vision, fading of colors and increasing difficulty with vision at night.

Glaucoma: The glaucoma is a condition that develops when intraocular pressure becomes high, and it may damage the optic nerve. It is initially not symptomatic; however, vision loss may occur at advanced stage.

Retinal Diseases: The retina is a layer at the back of the eyeball that perceives light and passes the images to the brain. Among retinal diseases, there are retinal tears, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases can cause vision loss.

Strabismus: The strabismus is a condition, in which the eyes align abnormally. One of the eyes can line up in different direction. If the strabismus is not treated, amblyopia may develop.

Acritochromacy (Color Blindness): The color blindness is described as a deficit or disorder in ability to distinguish certain colors. Color blindness is generally hereditary and emerges as a result of a genetic mutation. The most common types are red-green color blindness and blue-yellow color blindness. The red-green color blindness is characterized by inability to distinguish or confuse with the difference between red and green. The blue-yellow color blindness, on the other hand, is characterized by difficulty in distinguishing blue and yellow colors.

Presbyopia (Long-Sightedness): The presbyopia is a visual impairment that develops with aging. The presbyopia generally becomes prominent after the age of 40 and is a natural step of aging. This condition basically makes clear near vision harder.

Eye Infections: Eye infections of bacterial, viral or fungal origin can manifest themselves with symptoms such as redness, watering of the eyes, sensitivity to light and pain. Some infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis and uveitis can cause vision loss and other severe complications.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): The conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the thin membrane, called conjunctiva. It may develop because of viral, bacterial or allergic reasons. Among the symptoms, there are redness, watering, itching, burning, swelling, sticky discharge in the eyes and crusting of eyelids.

Keratitis: The keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye. It may be of viral, bacterial or fungal origin. The keratitis manifests itself with some symptoms such as pain, redness on eye surface, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, watering of eyes and sensation of foreign body.

Uveitis: The uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, inner layer of the eye. Uvea containing iris, choroid and ciliary body is an inflammable part of the eye. The uveitis manifests itself with some symptoms such as pain, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, sensation of foreign body in the eye and color floating spots.

Diabetic Retinopathy: The diabetic retinopathy is the vascular damage in retina caused by diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause vision loss in time. Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are quite important for the diabetic retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration: The macular degeneration is a disease that develops when the macula, central vision region over retina, is damaged. It is a condition seen at older ages and can cause central vision loss.

Pterygium: The pterygium is a triangle-shaped tissue growth in the white part of the eye, which is associated with exposure to sunlight. It can cause vision deficit at advanced stages.

Eye Allergies: These are the allergic conditions that develop with overreaction of the eyes to environmental factors such as pollen, dust, pet dander or some chemicals. Symptoms like itching, redness, watering and swelling are associated with the eye allergies.

Eye Injuries: Eyes can be exposed to injuries for various reasons. In this regard, the eye injuries can cause severe complications such as irritation, bleeding, corneal tear, intraocular foreign body, retinal tear or detachment.

Dry Eye: The dry eye is a condition, in which eye surface is not moist enough. It may develop as a result of a deficit in lachrymal system. This condition manifests itself with symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, itching in the eyes and blurry vision.

Eye Muscle Diseases: Conditions effecting the control of the eye muscles can deteriorate proper alignment and coordination of the eyes. Among those conditions, there are strabismus, amblyopia and nystagmus (continuous uncontrolled eye movements).

Amblyopia: Amblyopia is a condition that develops when visual system does not receive sufficient amount of stimuli or the stimuli are not processed properly in childhood. This condition generally causes weaker visual development of one eye compared to another one.

Eyestrain: This is a condition that develops as a result of staring at a computer for long periods, intense reading, insufficient sleep or excessive use of the eyes. Among symptoms of the eyestrain, there are feeling of fatigue in the eyes, blurry vision, headache and difficulty to focus.

Eye Tumors: The tumors originating from tissues inside or around the eyes can cause eye health. These tumors can develop in the conjunctiva, retina, iris, choroid or other eye structures.

What Are Diagnostic Methods of Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmologic diseases are generally diagnosed with physical examination, evaluation of symptoms and some diagnostic tests performed by an ophthalmologist. Some of the diagnostic methods commonly used for ophthalmologic diseases are as follows:

• Eye examination: The ophthalmologist carefully evaluates the external structure of the eyes, eyelids, eye movements and pupil. Eye examination plays a vital role in diagnosis of the ophthalmologic diseases associated with redness, swelling, foreign bodies in the eyes and other symptoms.
• Visual acuity test: In this test, a chart of letters or symbols is shown to a patient who is asked to identify the letters or symbols away from the chart. This particular test helps physicians detect visual problems and measure visual acuity.
• Intraocular pressure measurement: Eye pressure or intraocular pressure measurement is an important method to diagnose the eye disease, called glaucoma. Using a device called tonometer, an ophthalmologist measures the intraocular pressure.
• Fundus oculi examination: During this examination, an ophthalmologist analyzes internal structure of the eyes (retina, optic nerve, vessels etc.) by means of using a special tool. This examination is of capital importance to diagnose diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears and other ophthalmologic diseases.
• Imaging tests: Among imaging tests used to diagnose some ophthalmologic diseases, there are optic coherence tomography (OCT), retinal imaging, ultrasonography of eyes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests are used to detect abnormalities in intraocular structures and verify the diagnosis of the ophthalmologic diseases.
• Biopsy: Sometimes, a biopsy procedure can be performed in the event of eye tumors or other rare ophthalmologic diseases. This procedure involves collection of samples from abnormal cells or tissues and then their submission to laboratory for analysis. Biopsy results can provide important details for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Color tests: Color tests are utilized to detect eye-associated color perception problems such as color blindness. One of the most commonly used tests is the Ishihara test. In this test, a patient is shown some cards with numbers and shapes in different colors and then asked to identify the numbers, aiming to evaluate the patient’s color perception.
• Tear analysis: The tear analysis can be conducted for diagnosis of tear-associated problems such as dry eye. In this test, the tear is analyzed in terms of component, amount and function. The tear analysis has an important place in detecting the causes of dry eye and planning the appropriate treatment.
• Electrophysiological tests: For diagnosis of some ophthalmologic diseases, electrophysiological tests are utilized. For instance, electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are the tests used for evaluation of optic nerves and retinal functions. These tests not only support the diagnosis of retinal diseases, but also guide to the treatment.
• Ophthalmoscopy: The ophthalmoscopy allows an ophthalmologist to see posterior parts of the eyes using an ophthalmoscope to evaluate internal structures of the eyes (particularly retina and optic nerve). This examination is important to diagnose eye tumors, retinal detachment, vascular occlusion and other retinal diseases.
• Visual field tests: The visual field tests are used to evaluate central and peripheral visual fields of an individual. These tests play an important role in diagnosis of glaucoma, optic nerve diseases or cranial tumors. For example, different types of tests can be used such as Humphrey visual field test or Goldmann visual field test.
• Schirmer test: The Schirmer test can be performed to analyze production and quality of the tear over eye surface. These tests are preferred to detect dry eye, lacrimal duct obstruction or problems in lacrimal system.
• Biomicroscopy: The biomicroscopy allows an ophthalmologist to analyze anterior segment (cornea, iris, lens etc.) of the eyes utilizing high-power and illumination. This examination is important in diagnosis of corneal injuries, eye infections, cataract and other anterior segment problems.
• Imaging techniques: Imaging techniques can be used in diagnosis of ophthalmologic diseases. For instance, optic coherence tomography (OCT) is used for detailed visualization of eye layers. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), on the other hand, is utilized to evaluate blood vessels and retinal region in the eyes. Ultrasonography is another imaging technique used to screen intraocular structures.
• Genetic tests: For diagnosis of some ophthalmologic diseases, genetic tests can be performed. These tests detect genetic mutations and provide diagnosis of particular genetic diseases.

What Are Treatment Methods of Ophthalmology?

Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Numerous visual problems are corrected with the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Proper prescription glasses or lenses can correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), astigmatism and age-associated visual problems

• Eye drops or ointments: Some ophthalmologic diseases such as eye infections, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye or eye inflammation can be treated with the use of eye drops or ointments. These medications are used to alleviate the symptoms, manage the infection or moist the eye surface.
• Eye surgery: Some ophthalmologic diseases may require a surgical intervention. For example, a surgical treatment can be preferred for some conditions such as cataract surgery, cornea transplant, glaucoma surgery, eye muscle operations or surgical removal of eye tumors.
• Blepharoplasty: It is an operation performed to eliminate some problems such as ptosis, excess skin and fat tissue in the eyelids. By means of this surgery, the eyes are aimed to seem symmetrical and healthy.
• Laser surgery: In some cases, the laser surgery can be an effective method for treatment of ophthalmologic diseases. For instance, refractive surgical procedures such as LASIK and PRK are carried out to correct myopia, hypermetropia or astigmatism. The laser surgery can also be practiced in treatment of some conditions such as glaucoma, retinal tears or vascular occlusions.
• Intraocular injections: In some cases, such as retinal diseases or occlusion of eye vessels, intraocular injections can be administered. Administering the medication directly into the eye, these injections aim to stop the progression of the disease or relieve symptoms.
• Lacrimal duct surgery: In the event of obstruction or stenosis in lacrimal duct, a surgical intervention may be required. These surgical procedures improve the flow of tears and solve the problems such as dry eye or tear accumulation.
• Medication treatment: Some ophthalmologic diseases can be managed with systemic or local medication treatments. For example, uveitis or macular degeneration is treatable with intraocular injections. And anti-VEGF medications can be used to prevent intraocular vascular growth.
• Antibiotics: Bacterial eye infections may require an antibiotic treatment in the form of eye drops or ointments. The antibiotics are used to manage infections and prevent its spread.
• Steroids: Steroids can be used in the form of eye drops or ointments to treat eye inflammation. The steroids reduce the inflammation and relive the symptoms. However, long-term use of the steroids may cause some side effects; thus, please make sure to follow your physician’s instructions while using steroids.
• Topical immunosuppressive medications: Some ophthalmologic diseases may require topical immunosuppressive medications to suppress the response of the immune system. These medications can be used in treatment of autoimmune eye diseases or management of ocular surface inflammation.
• Artificial tear treatment: The artificial tear treatment is used in some cases such as dry eye syndrome. With this treatment, it is aimed to lubricate the outer surface of the eyes using artificial tear drops, gels or ointments.
• Cosmetic treatments: Sometimes, the individuals can be in search of eyelid surgery or cosmetic treatments because of eyelid problems or aesthetic concerns. For example, surgical interventions can be performed for improvement of droopy eyelids (ptosis) or under-eye bags.

What Should We Do for Eye Health?

• Regular ophthalmologic examinations: It is important to have ophthalmologic examinations at regular intervals. Your ophthalmologist will examine you for diagnosis of possible visual problems, detection of ophthalmologic diseases and treatment.
• Healthy diet: A healthy diet can support your eye health. It is important to consume specific foods containing vitamin A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Foods such as carrot, spinach, orange, fish, hazelnut and bean are very beneficial for your eye health.
• Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses: Wearing properly prescribed eyeglasses or lenses is crucial if you have some visual problems. With these treatments, your visual acuity improves as well as your vision becomes clearer without tiring your eyes.
• Resting the eyes: Resting the eyes on a regular basis is of capital importance while using a computer or other digital devices for long periods. You can reduce the eyestrain by looking at a distant point or blinking for 20 seconds once in every 20 minutes.
• Eye protection: Wearing proper protective eyeglasses or regular eyeglasses plays an important role in prevention of eye injuries. Providing yourself with eye protection is important, particularly while you are doing exercise or working under dangerous conditions.
• Wearing sunglasses: The eyes can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) lights of the sun. So, it is important for you to protect your eyes from UV lights by wearing sunglasses. Make sure to buy UV-protective sunglasses when you decide to buy one.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can have negative effects on the eye health and cause ophthalmologic diseases. Thus, it is important to quit smoking for protection of the eye ealth.
• Hygiene: It is of vital importance to keep the eyes clean and follow hygiene measures for prevention of eye infections. The individuals are generally advised to wash their hands before rubbing the eyes and properly clean the contact lenses.
• Limiting the screen time: Using computer, mobile phones or tablets for long periods can cause eyestrain, dry eye and other eye problems. In this regard, limiting the screen time and having a break for your eyes at regular intervals are crucial.
• Good sleep: An adequate and quality sleep is very important for overall health and eye health. Sleep deprivation can cause some problems such as redness, dryness and fatigue in the eyes. So, it is crucial to adopt a regular sleeping pattern.