Introduction

Ophthalmology is the specialty concerned with the medical and surgical care of the eye, eye orbit (socket), optic tract (the visual nerve network), and visual cortex (the part of the brain that process nerve impulses from the eyes).
Ophthalmologists treat a variety of eye disorders from common vision deficiencies to conditions that can lead to partial or complete blindness. Ophthalmologists will often work with other specialists in cases where vision loss is secondary to another medical condition, such as diabetes or HIV.
Eye health services are becoming more and more important as the UK population ages. An ageing population means there are more and more incidences of age-related diseases of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration. These eye diseases can be successfully treated if caught early, and can be managed effectively with existing treatments and medicines.

Types of Opthalmology Treatments

ophthalmologists treat a wide variety of eye conditions and perform cataract surgery, as well as prescribe glasses and contact lenses. A general ophthalmologist may refer you to another ophthalmologist in certain situations where more specialised care is required.
Refractive surgeons perform vision correction procedures to correct refractive errors using techniques such as laser eye surgery (LASIK, SMILE, ASLA) and lens surgery. Refractive errors include short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), age-related long-sightedness (presbyopia) and astigmatism.
Corneal specialists diagnose and treat diseases of the cornea, which is the clear 'windscreen' at the front of the eye. These conditions include dry eye disease, corneal trauma, keratoconus, Surfer's Eye (pterygium) and Fuch's dystrophy. Corneal cross-linking and corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) are some of the procedures that these specialists may perform.
Glaucoma specialists are experts in treating the various conditions that affect the optic nerve, of which glaucoma is the most common. Managing eye pressure is the only method known to effectively treat glaucoma, and can be achieved by medical, laser and surgical means.
Retinal specialists diagnose and manage diseases affecting the back region of the eye. This includes the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye), the macula (the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision) and the vitreous (the clear jelly-like fluid that fills the bulk of the eye). Diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, dye techniques (fluorescein angiography) and electrophysiology, while they may perform treatments such as laser therapy, vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous), cryotherapy (a freezing treatment) and surgery to repair torn/detached retinas.
Oculoplastic surgeons perform plastic surgery of the structures around the eye – e.g. the eye socket (orbital surgery), around the eyeball (periocular surgery), the tear drainage system (lacrimal surgery) and the eyelid (blepharoplasty).
Paediatric specialists have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions that affect infants and children. Common conditions include eyes that do not align with each other (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), genetic and developmental abnormalities and trauma.
Ocular inflammation specialists are interested in the various inflammatory conditions that affect the eye and are the result of an abnormally functioning immune system (e.g. uveitis and scleritis). These doctors have specific knowledge about therapies that modify the immune system, and often work in conjunction with other medical immunology specialists (e.g. immunologists and rheumatologists).
Neuro-ophthalmologists treat visual problems related to the brain and nervous system. Examples of this include abnormal eye movements, unequal pupil size (anisicoria), double vision and various types of vision loss. Underlying causes may include strokes, brain tumours and thyroid conditions.