Ophthalmologists: Doctors Who Help You See Better

By: Apeksha Agarwal

Imagine waking up one day, and struggling to see what’s around you—colors seem dull, street signals blur and reading becomes a challenging task. Vision is something we often take as granted, until we face problems with it. Fortunately, ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in treating, diagnosing, and preventing eye diseases, helping millions restore or maintain their eye health. 

What Does an Ophthalmologist Do?  

Ophthalmologists are taught to treat a wide range of eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. They also perform surgeries to help restore or correct vision, like LASIK and cataract surgery. Ophthalmologists have the medical training to perform surgeries and manage eye disease, compared to optometrists who focus on treating eye condition through glasses or contact lenses. 

Education

Becoming an ophthalmologist is a long extensive journey. The journey begins with earning a four-year undergraduate degree, mainly in a science-related field. After earning an undergrad degree, students transition over to a 4-year medical school, where they gain a broader understanding of medicine. Since ophthalmologists are doctors specializing in optometry, they have to complete a four year residency in ophthalmology. Residency is where they will gain hands-on clinical time in diagnosing and treating eye diseases. This rigorous journey ensures that ophthalmologists are well-trained to handle a range of eye conditions and surgeries. 

Common Eye Diseases and Treatments

One the most common eye conditions treated by ophthalmologists is cartacts. Cataracts are when the lens of eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. Cataract surgery. Is when the doctor replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one.

Glaucoma is another major condition treated by ophthalmologists. It when high pressure in the eye leads to damage in the optic nerve and it can cause blindness if left untreated. In minor cases it can be treated by eye drops but could require laser surgery. 

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are vital in detecting eye diseases early, especially in conditions where symptoms don’t appear early on in. Ophthalmologists use advanced imaging techniques to monitor and manage disease effectively. For instance, diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can lead to vision loss if it is not diagnosed in time. 

Ad technological advances continue, ophthalmologists continue to refine treatments and procedures, ensuring the best outcome for their patients and good accessibility to vision care 

Works Cited

“At a glance: Glaucoma.” National Eye Institute, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma. Accessed 5 April 2025.

“Cataract Surgery.” National Eye Institute, 5 December 2024, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery. Accessed 5 April 2025.

“Ophthalmology | ACS.” The American College of Surgeons, https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/education/programs/so-you-want-to-be-a-surgeon/section-iii-surgical-specialties/ophthalmology/. Accessed 5 April 2025.

Torres, Callie. “How to become an Ophthalmologist? A step-by-step guide.” UMHS, 1 October 2023, https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-an-ophthalmologist. Accessed 5 April 2025.

“What Is an Ophthalmologist? What They Do & When To See One.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22159-ophthalmologist. Accessed 5 April 2025.