An ophthalmologist is the only type of doctor who is qualified in all aspects of eye care. A general ophthalmologist (also known as a holistic ophthalmologist) can diagnose and treat eye diseases, as well as prescribe, fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Many ophthalmologists who specialize in treating complex eye disorders have additional training, for example, glaucoma or cataracts. If your comprehensive ophthalmologist discovers that you have a disorder that necessitates more specialized treatment for a particular part of the eye, he or she can refer you to a subspecialist.
More Training for More Focus
Subspecialists have received extensive training in a specific field of ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists apply a fellowship to their years of medical study to become subspecialists. An ophthalmologist who completes a fellowship is better prepared to treat more specific or complex problems in specific areas of the eye or in specific types of patients. After finishing college, fellowship-trained ophthalmologists have a total of 9 to 10 years of experience.
Suggested Subspecialist You Should See
If your comprehensive ophthalmologist have identified that you need a treatment from a subspecialist, he or she can refer you to one.
CORNEA
Corneal eye disorder, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus, is diagnosed and managed by a cornea subspecialist. Many cornea subspecialists often perform corneal transplants and refractive surgery, such as LASIK. They also deal with corneal damage and difficult contact lens fittings.
RETINA
Retinal disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are diagnosed and treated by a retina specialist. They treat issues with the vitreous, the gel-like fluid in the center of the eyeball, as well as broken and detached retinas.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma subspecialists treat eye pressure with medicine, lasers, and surgery.
PEDIATRICS
Ophthalmologists for children and babies are known as pediatric ophthalmologists. They diagnose and treat eye misalignment, uncorrected refractive errors, and variations of vision between the two eyes, as well as childhood eye disorders and other conditions.
OCULOPLASTICS
Complications with the eyelids, bones, and other structures around the eyeball and the tear drainage system are repaired by oculoplastic surgeons. They use surgical injections to enhance the appearance and function of facial structures around the eyes and face.
NEUROLOGY
Neuro-ophthalmologists treat vision disorders involving the interaction of the eyes with the brain, nerves, and muscles. Optic nerve defects, different forms of vision loss, double vision, irregular eye movements, uneven pupil size, and eyelid irregularities are among the disorders they diagnose and treat.
