What is the name of the doctor who treats eyes? Eye doctor (ophthalmologist) Oculist full name of the doctor

In the previous century, when a person had vision problems or inflamed eyes, he knew that an eye doctor would provide help. He was also called an ophthalmologist. Today this term is somewhat old-fashioned, but exists on an equal footing with the name ophthalmologist.

It is not so important what the name of the eye doctor in your region is, both terms mean the same thing.

The root oculus is Latin for "eye", as is ophthalmos in Greek. So a doctor who treats eyes is correctly called an ophthalmologist or, in other words, an ophthalmologist.

Some people believe that these are medical workers with different qualifications, but this is not true. In any case, specialists in this profession have a higher medical education within the specialty “General Medicine”, and pediatricians also have a specialization in “Pediatric Ophthalmology”.

A pediatric ophthalmologist, by analogy with a pediatrician, is more familiar with the characteristics of the visual apparatus of children, which is not yet sufficiently formed and has signs that are considered a pathology in adults.

An eye doctor can organize ophthalmological care because he is familiar with topographic and clinical anatomy, embryology, physiology of the visual analyzer, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical symptoms of diseases of the visual organs.

He prescribes and monitors the course of pharmacotherapy, adverse reactions and drug compatibility.

A specialist can also provide emergency and emergency ophthalmological care for ophthalmological diseases and eye injuries.

Warning symptoms

When should you contact an ophthalmologist?

  • You notice loss or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
  • Changes in vision appeared in the form of spots, flashes of light, lightning, blurred vision, distortion of the picture, halos around lights, double image.
  • Color perception is impaired.
  • Changes in the visual field, such as shadows, scotomas, black spots, or blur in central or peripheral (side) vision.
  • Noticeable physical changes appeared - squint, exophthalmos (protrusion) or sunken eyeballs, decreased eye size, drooping eyelids.
  • Disturbances in the extraocular muscles are of concern - the eye twitches, difficulty or pain occurs when rotating, moving the eyeballs up and down, from side to side.
  • There are noticeable signs of an inflammatory process, which may be accompanied by the formation of pus or be of an allergic nature - redness of the conjunctiva, swelling of the eyelids and membranes of the eye, bags under the eyes, increased lacrimation. At the same time, the eye hurts, there is itching and burning.

Inflammatory diseases are also treated by an “eye doctor”

If the visual system is in normal condition, consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary at the following intervals:

  • 19–40 years old – at least once every 10 years;
  • 41–55 years old – at least once every 5 years;
  • 56–65 – at least once every 3 years;
  • Over the age of 65 – at least once every 2 years.

An eye specialist must participate in regular examinations of conscripts, pregnant women, as well as persons with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, thyroid, rheumatological diseases, and lupus. In addition to checking visual functions, the ophthalmologist can judge the condition of the retina, its vessels, and the optic nerve head from the fundus picture. This information helps to establish the severity of changes in the body against the background of the underlying disease.


An ophthalmologist treats patients with chronic eye diseases

An eye doctor regularly monitors the degree of vision preservation in patients with glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

It is necessary to contact him in case of mechanical injury to the eyeball, orbital area, or any blows to the head and facial part of the skull. Bruises under the eyes that occur in such cases suggest possible hemorrhages in the eyeball, hemorrhages and retinal detachment, and damage to the optic nerves. An eye doctor can confirm or refute these assumptions, and he can also refer the patient to the eye microsurgery department.


Eye injury is a reason to consult an ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist can help if you experience eye burns from welding or exposure to aggressive chemicals.

An ophthalmologist traditionally determines visual acuity or refractive error and selects optical devices - glasses or contact lenses.

Today, in some countries this area has been identified as a separate field of ophthalmology. What is the correct name for a specialist who tests vision and prescribes treatment with glasses and contacts? This doctor is called an optometrist.

As you can see, you can contact an ophthalmologist both in case of chronic diseases, emergencies, and for a routine preventive examination. The knowledge and qualifications of this specialist allow us to provide assistance with various eye diseases.

Poor vision is the scourge of modern society, so everyone should know who the ophthalmologist is. Many people's knowledge of an ophthalmologist is limited only to the fact that this doctor checks vision. In fact, an ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats various visual disorders. Everyone needs his help sooner or later.

Ophthalmologist - who is he?

Previously, in most medical institutions it was possible to meet a specialist who was involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the visual apparatus. It was an ophthalmologist. Today, these duties are performed by an ophthalmologist. For this reason, the question naturally arises: are these two different specialties or one and the same? The meaning of the terms used will help you understand this. The Latin word oculus literally translates as “eye.” The term translated from Greek into Russian by the word “ophthalmology” means “the study of the eye.”

In the modern understanding, these two specialties are identical. In other words, an ophthalmologist is an ophthalmologist. Although some still believe that there are differences. In their opinion, an ophthalmologist is a specialist whose competence is not just diagnosing and treating pathologies of the visual apparatus, but also, if necessary, performing surgical operations. He has a broader profile than an ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmologist-orthoptist – who is he?

This is a specialist working in the healthcare field. Orthoptist is what an eye doctor is called. He specializes in the treatment of the following visual impairments:

  • strabismus;
  • amblyopia;
  • disturbances of refraction and accommodation.

What diseases does an ophthalmologist treat?


The list of pathologies this specialist deals with is huge. Before going to such a doctor, it is important for the patient to understand who the ophthalmologist is and what he treats. This will allow him to prepare in advance for such a visit. Here are the diseases an ophthalmologist treats:

  1. Myopia is an anomaly caused by a visual defect. A patient diagnosed with this disease sees a clear picture near him, but what is further away is blurry. This occurs because in the affected eye the image is formed not on the retina, but in front of it.
  2. Astigmatism– blurred vision caused by deformation of the lens or cornea.
  3. Farsightedness– a pathology in which focusing on distant objects occurs behind the retina.
  4. Cataract– clouding of the lens, causing partial or complete loss of vision.
  5. Glaucoma– a complex of disorders in which frequent surges in blood pressure are observed. They provoke visual impairment.

Responsibilities of an ophthalmologist

The main task facing this specialist is to carry out therapeutic manipulations in the event of various diseases of the organs of vision. The job responsibilities of an ophthalmologist at a clinic are as follows:

  • monitoring the condition of the visual organs;
  • prevention of the development of hereditary pathologies or diseases caused by age-related changes;
  • correction of visual defect;
  • advising patients on the choice of glasses and lenses;
  • treatment of allergies that provoke increased lacrimation;
  • therapy for stye or other inflammatory disease on the eyelids;
  • drug treatment of eye diseases and so on.

When should you contact an ophthalmologist?


Both adults and children need to visit this specialist periodically. There are, however, a number of circumstances when you cannot delay visiting a doctor. These include the following situations:

  • there is a foreign body in the eyeball;
  • the eyelid swells greatly;
  • increased dryness or other eye discomfort;
  • sudden loss of vision;
  • constant ;
  • severe tearing;
  • purulent discharge from the eyes.

These are all things that an ophthalmologist treats. You should not try to fix the problem yourself, as this will not give the desired result. In addition, the situation may worsen, because time is not in the patient’s favor. An ophthalmologist is also on the list of doctors that pregnant women and women who have recently given birth should visit. The following categories of people should be regularly checked by this specialist:

  • hypertensive patients;
  • those suffering from diabetes;
  • working constantly at a computer;
  • those who have a hereditary predisposition to diseases of the visual system.

How is an appointment with an ophthalmologist?


Before going to this doctor, the patient tries to find out more: the ophthalmologist - who he is and what he will do. This is not idle curiosity, but a completely normal human reaction: he has the right to know all this. The ophthalmologist begins his appointment by listening to the patient’s complaints. Afterwards, the doctor begins the examination, which is represented by the following manipulations:

  • fundus examination;
  • testing the ability of the lens and cornea to focus images on the retina;
  • measurement ;
  • a test to determine a person's ability to distinguish colors.

Eye diseases - diagnosis

Before prescribing a course of treatment, the doctor must order an examination. In addition to a standard examination, a specialist may recommend undergoing the following procedures:

  • take general and biochemical blood tests;
  • do an immunogram;
  • undergo a microscopic examination to identify pests that provoke infectious and inflammatory lesions of the eyelids.
  • otolaryngologist;
  • allergist;
  • oncologist;
  • cardiologist;
  • neurologist;
  • endocrinologist.

It is easier to prevent any illness than to treat it later. The same is true for pathologies of the visual apparatus. Knowing who an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist is, and what the task of this specialist is, you can turn to him in time for qualified help. This will speed up and facilitate the treatment process.

  1. To reduce eye fatigue after working at the computer, you can apply lotions. A compress made from natural honey (1 teaspoon) diluted in warm boiled water (50 ml) has proven itself to be excellent.
  2. The quality of vision is strongly influenced by the food consumed. It is advisable to enrich your diet with foods rich in vitamins A and E.
  3. Experts advise blinking more often. During the movement of the eyelids, the eyes are moisturized and their tension is reduced.
  4. You cannot read in a poorly lit room or in public transport.
  5. If the sun is shining brightly, you need to wear quality sunglasses.
  6. When working at a computer, the distance between the monitor and the eyes should be 60 cm. In addition, after every hour you should take a 5-minute break.

Author ~ Rybka ~ asked a question in the section Doctors, Clinics, Insurance

What is the correct name for a doctor: ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist? and got the best answer

Reply from *@ Ekaterina @ *[guru]
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment and prevention of eye diseases. Oculist is a synonym for the terms ophthalmologist or eye doctor.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing eye diseases and treating various visual impairments.
Modern ophthalmology is a very complex specialty that requires the use of the latest equipment, special instruments, and operating microscopes. The use of special microscopes expanded the possibilities of ocular microsurgery, as it allowed the doctor to see the surgical area significantly enlarged and more accurately perform all stages of the operation. Any eye operation places increased demands on the surgeon; it requires special skills, great attention and tension. An ophthalmologist must be able to accurately dose the muscular efforts of the fingers, work calmly, concentratedly, quickly and deftly.
Just to put it in simple human language, an ophthalmologist sees patients and deals with the prevention of diseases! An ophthalmologist is an eye surgeon! That is, the one who can operate on the eye!
Oculist is more of a profession name. . And OPHTHALMOLOGY is a science, that is, the second name of the profession comes from science.. But there is no science of OCULISTICS..:)
So the words seem to be synonyms - but the origins are slightly different.
And the meaning of the activity is one - healing...
Does the word ophthalmologist go back to the same word as the word eye? Right. These words go back to the Latin “oculus” - eye.

Answer from Natalia[guru]
Both options are correct.


Answer from Niya Ignatenko[guru]
and so and so


Answer from Boris Aizikovich[guru]
both names are correct. They are called differently because the names have different roots, or rather the roots of different, but generally accepted languages ​​in medicine, Latin and Greek


Answer from Yatyana Petrovna[newbie]
The answer to this question can be found here:


Answer from 3 answers[guru]

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: What is the correct name for a doctor: an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist?

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Make an appointment with an Ophthalmologist

To make an appointment with a doctor or diagnostics, you just need to call a single phone number
+7 495 488-20-52 in Moscow

Or

+7 812 416-38-96 in St. Petersburg

The operator will listen to you and redirect the call to the desired clinic, or accept an order for an appointment with the specialist you need.

Or you can click the green “Register Online” button and leave your phone number. The operator will call you back within 15 minutes and select a specialist who meets your request.

At the moment, appointments are being made to specialists and clinics in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

What happens at an appointment with an ophthalmologist?

During the examination of the patient ophthalmologist assesses the condition of various structures of the eyeball and eyelids, and also checks visual acuity and other parameters that give him information about the functioning of the visual analyzer.

Where does the ophthalmologist see?

Visit an ophthalmologist ( ophthalmologist ) can be done at the clinic ( in the ophthalmologist's office) or in a hospital where the doctor sees in a specialized ophthalmology department. In both cases, the doctor will be able to conduct a full examination of the person’s visual system and make a diagnosis. At the same time, in a hospital setting, more modern equipment may be available, which allows, in doubtful cases, to conduct a more complete diagnosis. Moreover, if, when examining a patient in a hospital, the doctor identifies a disease or injury that requires urgent surgical intervention ( for example, with retinal detachment), he can hospitalize the patient and perform the necessary operation within the shortest possible period of time, thereby reducing the risk of complications and vision loss.

Examination by an ophthalmologist

As mentioned earlier, when examining a patient, an ophthalmologist examines the condition and functioning of various structures of the visual analyzer. If during a standard examination the doctor discovers any abnormalities, he may conduct additional tests.

An examination by an ophthalmologist includes:

  • Checking visual acuity. Allows you to evaluate the ability of the eye to clearly see two different points located at a certain distance from each other. Primary impairment of visual acuity can occur with myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism and other pathologies.
  • Study of the refractive structures of the eye. Allows you to determine the functional state of the refractive system of the eye, that is, the ability of the cornea and lens to focus the image directly on the retina.
  • Visual field examination. Allows you to examine peripheral vision, which may be impaired due to glaucoma and other pathologies.
  • Fundus examination. Allows you to study the vessels of the fundus and the retina, damage to which may cause decreased visual acuity, narrowing of the visual fields and other defects of the visual analyzer.
  • Measuring intraocular pressure. It is the main test in the diagnosis of glaucoma.
  • Checking color perception. Allows you to determine whether a person can distinguish different colors from each other. This function of the visual analyzer may be impaired in some people suffering from color blindness.

Ophthalmologist's chart for checking visual acuity

The first thing an ophthalmologist checks when examining a patient is visual acuity. As mentioned earlier, this term refers to the ability of the human eye to distinguish between two points located at a certain distance from each other. To conduct the study, the doctor uses special tables on which rows with letters or figures are printed ( for examining the deaf and dumb, children, etc.) of various sizes.

The essence of the study is as follows. The patient sits on a chair located at a distance of 5 meters from a well-lit table mounted on the wall. The doctor gives the patient a special flap and asks him to cover one eye with it, but not to close it completely ( that is, do not close your eyelids). The patient should look at the table with his other eye. Next, the doctor begins to point to the letters in various rows of the table ( first to larger ones, then to smaller ones), and the patient must name them. The result is considered satisfactory when the patient easily ( without squinting) will be able to read letters from 10 ( above) table row. In this case, we are talking about one hundred percent vision, which the ophthalmologist records in the patient’s chart. Next, he asks to cover the other eye with a shutter and repeats the procedure in the same way.

When examining young children ( who can't read yet) tables with images of animals, plants and other objects are used. At the same time, for the examination of deaf and mute patients, instead of letters, the tables depict circles with a cutout on one side ( right, left, top or bottom). During the examination, the patient must indicate to the doctor which side the notch is located on.

An ophthalmologist's device for examining the fundus of the eye

The fundus of the eye is the posterior inner surface of the eyeball. The procedure for examining the fundus itself is called ophthalmoscopy, and the device used to perform it is called an ophthalmoscope.

The essence of the procedure is as follows. The bright lights in the room are turned off, and the patient sits on a chair opposite the doctor. The doctor brings an ophthalmoscope to the patient's eye ( a device consisting of a light source and a magnifying lens) and directs light through the pupil into the eye being examined. Light rays hit the fundus of the eye and are reflected from it, as a result of which the doctor, through a magnifying glass, can observe various structures in this area - the retina, fundus vessels, optic nerve head ( the place in the fundus of the eye where nerve fibers of photosensitive cells leave the eyeball and travel to the brain).

Fundus examination helps in diagnosing:

  • Glaucoma. Characteristic of this pathology is the so-called excavation of the optic nerve head, which is “squeezed out” as a result of increased pressure inside the eyeball.
  • Retinal angiopathy. During ophthalmoscopy, the doctor identifies modified, irregularly shaped and sized blood vessels in the fundus.
  • Retinal detachments. Under normal conditions, the retina is attached to the wall of the eyeball very weakly, supported mainly by intraocular pressure. For various pathological conditions ( for eye injuries, wounds) the retina can become detached from the wall of the eye, which can lead to deterioration or complete loss of vision. During ophthalmoscopy, the doctor can determine the location and severity of the detachment, which will allow planning further treatment tactics.

What does an ophthalmologist put in your eyes to dilate your pupils?

As stated earlier, during an ophthalmoscopy, the doctor shines a beam of light into the patient's eye through the pupil and then examines the fundus of the eye using a magnifying glass. However, under normal conditions, light entering the retina causes a reflex constriction of the pupil. This physiological reaction is designed to protect photosensitive nerve cells from damage from too much bright light. However, during the examination, this reaction may prevent the doctor from examining parts of the retina located on the lateral parts of the eyeball. It is to eliminate this effect that before the examination, the ophthalmologist instills drops into the patient’s eyes, which dilate the pupil and fix it in this position for a certain time, allowing a full examination of the fundus of the eye.

It is worth noting that these drugs cannot be used if you have glaucoma, since pupil dilation can lead to blockage of the outflow tract of intraocular fluid and provoke an increase in intraocular pressure. The doctor must also inform the patient that for a certain time after the procedure the patient may experience pain or burning in the eyes when exposed to bright light, and will also not be able to read books or work at the computer. The fact is that the drugs used to dilate the pupil also temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for changing the shape of the lens when viewing closely spaced objects. As a result of this, the lens is flattened as much as possible and fixed in this position, that is, a person will not be able to focus vision on a nearby object until the effect of the drug wears off.

Ophthalmologist instruments for measuring IOP

IOP ( intraocular pressure) is a relatively constant value and normally ranges from 9 to 20 millimeters of mercury. Marked increase in IOP ( for example, with glaucoma) can lead to irreversible changes in the retina. That is why the measurement of this indicator is one of the important diagnostic measures in ophthalmology.

To measure IOP, the ophthalmologist uses a special tonometer - a cylindrical weight weighing 10 grams. The essence of the study is as follows. After instilling a local anesthetic solution into the patient's eyes ( a drug that temporarily “turns off” the sensitivity of the eyes, as a result of which they will not respond to the touch of foreign objects to the cornea) the patient lies down on the couch face up, directing his gaze strictly vertically and fixing it on some point. Next, the doctor tells the patient not to blink, after which he places the surface of the cylinder on his cornea ( tonometer), which was previously coated with special paint. Upon contact with wet ( moisturized) the surface of the cornea washes off some of the paint from the tonometer. After a few seconds, the doctor removes the cylinder from the patient’s eye and presses its surface onto special paper, on which a characteristic imprint in the form of a circle remains. At the end of the study, the doctor uses a ruler to measure the diameter of the resulting circle-imprint, based on which he establishes the exact intraocular pressure.

Checking color perception ( pictures of an ophthalmologist for drivers)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the patient is able to distinguish colors from each other. This function of the visual analyzer is especially important for drivers who constantly need to navigate the colors of traffic lights on the road. For example, if a person cannot distinguish the color red from green, he may be prohibited from driving a vehicle.

To check color perception, the ophthalmologist uses special tables. Each of them depicts numerous circles of various sizes, colors ( mostly green and red) and shades, but similar in brightness. Using these circles, a certain image is “masked” in the picture ( number or letter), and a person with normal vision can easily see it. At the same time, for a person who does not distinguish colors, recognizing and naming an “encrypted” letter will be an impossible task.

How else does an ophthalmologist check vision?

In addition to the standard procedures described above, the ophthalmologist has other studies in his arsenal that allow a more accurate assessment of the condition and functions of various structures of the eye.

If necessary, the ophthalmologist may prescribe:

  • Biomicroscopy of the eye. The essence of this study is that, using a special slit lamp, a narrow strip of light is directed into the patient’s eye, illuminating the cornea, lens and other transparent structures of the eyeball. This method allows you to identify various deformations and damage to the structures under study with high accuracy.
  • Study of corneal sensitivity. To assess this parameter, ophthalmologists usually use a thin hair or several threads from a bandage, which they touch the cornea of ​​the eye being examined ( first in the center and then along the edges). This makes it possible to identify a decrease in the sensitivity of the organ, which can be observed in various pathological processes.
  • Study of binocular vision. Binocular vision is the ability of a person to clearly see a specific image with both eyes at the same time, ignoring the fact that each eye is looking at an object from a slightly different angle. To test binocular vision, ophthalmologists use several methods, the simplest of which is the so-called Sokolov experiment. To carry out this experiment, you should take a sheet of paper, roll it into a tube and bring it to one eye ( both eyes must remain open during the entire examination). Next, you need to place your open palm on the side of the paper tube ( its edge should be in contact with the tube). If the patient has normal binocular vision, when the hand is raised to the paper, the effect of the so-called “hole in the palm” will appear, through which what is visible through the paper tube will be visible.

What tests can an ophthalmologist prescribe?

Laboratory diagnosis is not the main diagnostic method in ophthalmology. However, when preparing for eye surgery, as well as when identifying certain infectious pathologies, the doctor may prescribe certain tests to the patient.

An ophthalmologist may prescribe:

  • General blood analysis– to determine the cellular composition of the blood and identify signs of infection in the body.
  • Microscopic studies– to identify microorganisms that cause infectious and inflammatory damage to the eye, eyelids or other tissues.
  • Microbiological examination– to identify and identify the causative agent of an eye infection, as well as to determine the sensitivity of the infectious agent to various antibiotics.
  • Biochemical blood test– to determine glucose levels ( Sahara) in the blood if diabetic retinal angiopathy is suspected.

Selection of glasses and lenses from an ophthalmologist

The main and most accessible methods for correcting diseases of the refractive system of the eye is the use of glasses or contact lenses ( which are installed directly on the outer surface of the cornea). The advantages of spectacle correction include ease of use and low cost, while contact lenses provide more precise vision correction and are also less noticeable to others, which is important from a cosmetic point of view.

Using glasses or contact lenses you can correct:

  • Myopia ( myopia). As mentioned earlier, with this pathology, light rays passing through the cornea and lens are refracted too strongly, as a result of which they are focused in front of the retina. To correct this disease, the doctor selects a diverging lens, which “shifts” the focal length somewhat posteriorly, that is, directly to the retina, as a result of which a person begins to clearly see distant objects.
  • Hypermetropia ( farsightedness). With this pathology, light rays are focused behind the retina. To correct the defect, the ophthalmologist selects a converging lens that shifts the focal length anteriorly, thereby eliminating the existing defect.
  • Astigmatism. With this pathology, the surface of the cornea or lens has an uneven shape, as a result of which light rays passing through them hit different areas in front of and behind the retina. To correct the defect, special lenses are made that correct existing irregularities in the refractive structures of the eye and ensure that the rays are focused directly on the retina.
The procedure for selecting lenses for all of these pathologies is similar. The patient sits in front of a table with letters, after which the doctor performs a standard procedure to determine visual acuity. Next, the doctor puts a special frame on the patient’s eyes, into which he places refractive or divergent lenses of varying strengths. Lens selection is carried out until the patient can easily read row 10 in the table. Next, the doctor writes out a prescription for glasses, which indicates the refractive power of the lenses necessary for vision correction ( for each eye separately).

Does an ophthalmologist prescribe computer glasses?

When working at a computer for a long time, the load on the eyes increases significantly, which is caused not only by overstrain of the accommodation apparatus, but also by the radiation from the monitor to the retina. To eliminate the impact of this negative effect, the ophthalmologist may recommend that patients whose activities involve working at a computer use special safety glasses. The lenses of such glasses do not have any refractive power, but they are covered with a special protective film. This eliminates the negative impact of glare ( bright dots) from the monitor and also reduces the amount of light entering the eyes without affecting image quality. As a result, the load on the organ of vision is significantly reduced, which helps prevent ( or slow down) the development of symptoms such as visual fatigue, lacrimation, redness of the eyes, and so on.

Medical examination and certificate from an ophthalmologist

A consultation with an ophthalmologist is a mandatory part of the medical examination that workers of many professions must undergo ( drivers, pilots, doctors, police officers, teachers and so on). During a routine medical examination ( which is usually performed once a year) the ophthalmologist evaluates the patient's visual acuity, and ( if necessary) conducts other studies - measures visual fields and intraocular pressure ( if glaucoma is suspected), examines the fundus ( if the patient has diabetes or high blood pressure) and so on.

It is also worth noting that a certificate from an ophthalmologist may be needed in some other circumstances ( for example, to obtain a permit to carry a firearm, to obtain a driver's license, etc.). In this case, an examination by an ophthalmologist does not differ from that during a regular medical examination ( the doctor evaluates visual acuity, visual fields and other parameters). If during the examination the specialist does not identify any abnormalities in the patient’s organ of vision, he will issue an appropriate conclusion ( certificate). If the patient is diagnosed with a decrease in visual acuity, a narrowing of the visual fields, or any other deviation, the doctor may prescribe appropriate treatment for him, but in the conclusion he will indicate that this person is not recommended to engage in activities that require one hundred percent vision.

Are ophthalmologist services paid or free?

All insured ( having a compulsory health insurance policy) residents of Russia have the right to free consultations with an ophthalmologist, as well as free diagnostic and treatment measures. To receive the listed services, they need to contact their family doctor and explain the essence of their vision problem, after which the doctor ( if necessary) will issue a referral to an ophthalmologist.

It is worth noting that free ophthalmologist services under the compulsory medical insurance policy ( compulsory health insurance) are found only in state medical institutions ( clinics and hospitals). All ophthalmologist consultations and visual analyzer examinations performed in private medical centers are paid.

When is a follow-up appointment with an ophthalmologist indicated?

Dispensary registration is a special form of monitoring a patient, in which the doctor conducts a full diagnosis and prescribes treatment for the patient’s chronic disease of the visual analyzer, and then regularly ( at certain intervals) examines him. During such an examination, the doctor assesses the state of vision and monitors the effectiveness of the treatment, and, if necessary, makes certain changes to the treatment regimen. Also, an important task of dispensary registration of patients with chronic eye diseases is the timely identification and elimination of possible complications.

The reason for a medical check-up with an ophthalmologist may be:

  • Cataract– clouding of the lens, for which it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist 2 times a year.
  • Glaucoma– increased intraocular pressure, which requires visiting a doctor at least 4 times a year.
  • Retinal detachment and other lesions– consultation with an ophthalmologist is required at least 2 times a year ( if complications occur, an unscheduled consultation is indicated).
  • Damage to the refractive system of the eye ( myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism) – examination by an ophthalmologist 2 times a year ( provided that before this a full diagnosis was carried out and corrective glasses or contact lenses were selected).
  • Eye injury– regular ( weekly or monthly) examination by an ophthalmologist until complete recovery.
  • Retinal angiopathy– you need to visit a doctor at least 1–2 times a year ( depending on the cause of the disease and the severity of retinal vascular damage).

When can an ophthalmologist admit you to the hospital?

The reason for hospitalization of ophthalmic patients is most often preparation for performing various surgical interventions on the structures of the eyeball ( on the cornea, iris, lens, retina and so on). It is worth noting that today most operations are performed using modern technologies, as a result of which they are low-traumatic and do not require a long stay for the patient in the hospital.

The reason for hospitalization may be the severe course of the patient’s disease ( for example, retinal detachment in several places) or development of complications of the underlying disease ( for example, retinal hemorrhage, penetrating injury to the eyeball with damage to adjacent tissues, and so on). In this case, the patient is placed in a hospital, where he will be under constant medical supervision throughout the entire period of treatment. Before the operation, all studies necessary for an accurate diagnosis and determination of the surgical plan are performed. After surgical treatment, the patient also remains under the supervision of doctors for several days, which allows timely identification and elimination of possible complications ( for example, bleeding).

After discharge from the hospital, the doctor gives the patient recommendations regarding further treatment and rehabilitation, and also sets dates for follow-up consultations, which will allow monitoring the recovery process and identifying possible late complications.

How to get a sick leave certificate from an ophthalmologist?

A sick leave certificate is a document confirming that for a certain time the patient was unable to perform his job duties due to health problems. To receive a sick leave certificate from an ophthalmologist, first of all, you need to make an appointment with him and undergo a full examination. If the doctor determines that the patient cannot engage in his professional activity due to his illness ( for example, a programmer after performing eye surgery is prohibited from being at the computer for a long time), he will issue him the corresponding document. The sick leave certificate will indicate the reason for temporary disability ( that is, the patient's diagnosis), as well as the time period ( with dates), during which he is released from the work he performs for medical reasons.

Is it possible to call an ophthalmologist at home?

Today, many paid clinics offer such a service as calling an ophthalmologist at home. This may be necessary in cases where the patient, for one reason or another, cannot visit a doctor at the clinic ( for example in the case of older people with limited mobility). In this case, the doctor can visit the patient at home, conducting a consultation and some vision tests. However, it is immediately worth noting that a full examination of the visual analyzer requires special equipment, which is available only in the ophthalmologist’s office, therefore, in doubtful cases, the doctor may insist on a second consultation at the clinic.

At home, an ophthalmologist can perform:

  • external examination of the eye;
  • assessment of visual acuity;
  • visual field examination ( approximately);
  • fundus examination;
  • measurement of intraocular pressure.

When an ophthalmologist refers you to other specialists for consultation ( oncologist, endocrinologist, ENT specialist, allergist, neurologist, cardiologist)?

During an examination of the visual analyzer, the ophthalmologist can determine that the patient’s vision problems are caused by a disease of some other organ or other system of the body. In this case, he can refer the patient for a consultation with an appropriate specialist to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment for the underlying disease that caused the vision problems.

The ophthalmologist may refer the patient for consultation:

  • To an oncologist– if there is a suspicion of tumor diseases of the eye or adjacent tissues.
  • See an endocrinologist– when detecting diabetic retinal angiopathy.
  • To the ENT ( otorhinolaryngologist) – when identifying diseases of the nose or paranasal sinuses that could be complicated by eye damage.
  • See an allergist– in case of allergic conjunctivitis ( lesions of the mucous membrane of the eye).
  • To a neurologist– if there is suspected damage to the optic nerve or brain ( visual center) and so on.
  • See a cardiologist– with retinal angiopathy caused by hypertension ( persistent increase in blood pressure).

What treatment can an ophthalmologist prescribe?

After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes to the patient various methods of correction and treatment of his existing disease. These methods include both conservative and surgical measures.

Vitamins for eyes

Vitamins are special substances that enter the body with food and regulate the activity of almost all organs and tissues, including the organ of vision. An ophthalmologist can prescribe vitamins for chronic eye diseases, as this helps improve metabolism in the affected tissues and increases their resistance to damaging factors.

An ophthalmologist may prescribe:
  • Vitamin A– to improve the condition of the retina.
  • Vitamin B1– improves metabolism in nervous tissue, including the retina and nerve fibers of the optic nerve.
  • Vitamin B2– improves metabolism at the cellular level.
  • Vitamin E– prevents tissue damage during various inflammatory processes.
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin– prevent damage to the retina when exposed to light rays.

Eye drops

Eye drops are the most effective method of prescribing medications for eye diseases. When the medicine is instilled into the eyes, it immediately reaches the site of its action, and is practically not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, that is, it does not cause systemic adverse reactions.

For therapeutic purposes, an ophthalmologist may prescribe:

  • Antibacterial drops– for the treatment of stye, chalazion, bacterial conjunctivitis and other infectious eye diseases.
  • Antiviral drops– for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis and other similar diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory drops– to eliminate the inflammatory process in infectious and inflammatory eye diseases.
  • Antiallergic drops– with allergic conjunctivitis.

Eye surgeries

For some diseases, a full-fledged surgical intervention is performed to eliminate defects in the visual analyzer.

Surgical treatment in ophthalmology may be required:

  • for diseases of the cornea;
  • for lens transplantation;
  • for treatment
  • When going to the doctor for the first time with vision problems, many are confused by the question of what the correct name of the eye doctor is, because you don’t want to look like an ignoramus by naming him incorrectly. Therefore, it is better to understand the medical terminology in advance.

    Ophthalmologist and ophthalmologist: what is the difference

    Answering the question what is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist, I would immediately like to note that there is not much of a difference. It just so happened historically that in the countries of the former Soviet Union people were accustomed to calling an eye specialist an ophthalmologist, but in Europe the name ophthalmologist has become more common.

    If we turn to the essence of these words, they are absolutely identical. “Oculist” is a Latin word, and “ophthalmologist” is an ancient Greek word, but they are both translated as “eye”. Therefore, even this once again proves that an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist can be classified as identical concepts. Moreover, in their work, these doctors use the same special device - a phoropter - to test vision and detect various pathologies.

    There is a version that an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist are responsible for different areas in eye medicine. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who carries out the prevention of eye diseases and sees patients in clinics, while an ophthalmologist works exclusively in a hospital and can perform eye surgeries. This division is not entirely correct, but there are those who hold exactly this opinion.

    Make an appointment with an eye doctor online

    Making an appointment with a doctor “the old fashioned way” is no longer the norm today. In large cities, people simply do not have enough time to make unnecessary phone calls to the reception desk and useless trips to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist on the spot. You should not count on being able to get an appointment right away, since a qualified specialist has every minute scheduled.

    Websites that provide online appointments with doctors solve many similar problems associated with wasting time on additional trips. It is enough to spend only a few minutes to make an appointment, and then come to the doctor at the appointed time. Thus, you can make an appointment with an eye doctor even from work, spending just a few minutes of your lunch break on the procedure.

    But this is not the only main advantage of online doctor appointment service sites. You should also turn to such a resource when you need to find the best specialist in a certain area. Each doctor (and ophthalmologist, and surgeon, and dentist) on this site is rated on a scale of real reviews, which can only be left here by those who have already become a patient of this or that doctor. Also, the search for doctors is configured in such a way that you can set the main criterion, for example, proximity to home or the cost of an appointment. Therefore, both the appointment itself and the search for the right specialist are simplified, and online service sites for making an appointment with a doctor are becoming more and more popular every day.

    TELL FRIENDS
Related publications