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Home >> Specialities >> Ophthalmology

Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology, often referred to as the "window to the soul," is a medical specialty dedicated to the study and treatment of the eyes and vision-related disorders. Ophthalmologists, highly skilled medical professionals, play a pivotal role in safeguarding and enhancing one of our most precious senses: vision.
The field of ophthalmology holds immense significance in the realm of healthcare and human well-being. Our vision is a vital sense that allows us to perceive the world around us. Ophthalmologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, from routine vision problems to complex diseases that can threaten sight. They are at the forefront of ensuring the health and longevity of our visual capacity.

The Expertise of Ophthalmologists
Their expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of ocular health, including:

  • Refractive Errors: Ophthalmologists correct common vision problems such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism through prescription glasses or contact lenses.
  • Cataracts: They perform cataract surgery, one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, to remove clouded lenses and replace them with clear artificial lenses.
  • Glaucoma: Ophthalmologists diagnose and manage glaucoma, a group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
  • Retinal Diseases: They treat disorders of the retina, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, often utilizing advanced techniques like laser therapy and injections.
  • Corneal Conditions: Ophthalmologists manage conditions affecting the cornea, such as corneal infections, dystrophies, and keratoconus.
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology: They specialize in children's eye health, addressing issues like strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and congenital eye diseases.

Specialized Procedures in Ophthalmology
The Department of Ophthalmology offers a range of specialized procedures and treatments tailored to individual patient needs. Some notable interventions include:

  • Laser Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are used to correct refractive errors and reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
  • Cataract Surgery: Modern cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded natural lens and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
  • Retinal Surgery: Ophthalmologists perform delicate retinal surgeries to repair retinal detachments, treat diabetic retinopathy, and remove vitreous gel debris.
  • Glaucoma Surgery: Surgical options like trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) aim to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.
  • Corneal Transplantation: For severe corneal conditions, ophthalmologists perform corneal transplants (keratoplasty) to replace damaged or diseased corneal tissue.
  • Refractive Surgery: Beyond LASIK, refractive surgeons offer a range of procedures to correct vision, including implantable lenses and corneal ring segments.

Innovations in Ophthalmology
Advancements in ophthalmology have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Some noteworthy innovations include:

  • Intraocular Lenses: The development of premium IOLs allows for customized vision correction, addressing cataracts and refractive errors simultaneously.
  • Retinal Imaging: High-resolution imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide detailed views of retinal structures, aiding in early disease detection and management.
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): MIGS procedures offer a safer and less invasive way to manage glaucoma, reducing the reliance on medication.
  • Gene Therapy: Emerging gene therapies hold the potential to treat hereditary eye diseases at their genetic source.
  • Artificial Retinas: Ongoing research into artificial retinas aims to restore vision for individuals with advanced retinal degeneration.
  • Telescreening: Remote eye screening programs use telemedicine to reach underserved populations and detect eye diseases early.

The Impact on Patient Well-being
The Department of Ophthalmology has a profound impact on patients' lives. Vision is a fundamental aspect of daily living, affecting everything from independence to overall quality of life. Ophthalmologists not only diagnose and treat eye conditions but also provide essential preventative care, helping patients preserve their vision and maintain their visual health throughout their lives.

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FAQ'S

What is ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a specialized discipline of medicine that studies the health of the eyes. It covers the anatomy, physiology, and disorders that can impact the eyes. Historically, the discipline of ophthalmology covered all elements of visual function, both in health and illness.

What is the expertise of ophthalmologists?

Their knowledge spans a wide range of eye health issues, including refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, corneal conditions, and pediatric ophthalmology.

What are some specialised procedures in ophthalmology?

The Department of Ophthalmology provides a variety of specialist surgeries and therapies suited to each patient's specific needs. Some well-known procedures include laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, retinal surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplantation, and refractive surgery.

What are the innovations in ophthalmology?

Advances in ophthalmology have transformed the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Some notable advancements include intraocular lenses, retinal imaging, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), gene therapy, artificial retinas, and telescreening.

How often should I have an eye exam?

If you are an adult without risk factors for eye disease, it is advised that you undergo an eye examination at least once between the ages of 20 and 39, every two years between 40 and 50, and every year if you are over 50 or older. If you have a family history of glaucoma or diabetes, you should be screened every year after 40, and persons with diabetes should get an eye exam at least once a year.

What is cataract surgery with laser?

Phacoemulsification Surgery is performed through a 2.2 mm self-sealing incision. An ultrasonic, high-speed vibrating handpiece breaks the clouded lens into little bits and suctions them out. After the cataract material is removed, the rear capsule of the lens is left behind, and a clear foldable intraocular lens is implanted.

How will I know if I have glaucoma?

Most of the time, this issue is diagnosed only during a routine eye examination because symptoms do not appear until late. As a result, all patients over the age of 40 in our hospital/clinic are checked for this condition. This disease's symptoms might range from no symptoms to eye aches, headaches, and red stinging eyes, and blurred vision.

How does one treat lazy eye (amblyopia) in children?

The earlier the treatment, the better the chances of reversing the vision loss. Although the best results are achieved when treatment begins before the age of five, research has shown that children over the age of ten can see improvement in the affected eye. Before treating amblyopia, it may be important to address the underlying cause. Glasses are frequently prescribed to improve vision or correct eye misalignments.

How many hours of patching is required to treat amblyopia?

Patching the dominant (good) eye, either fully or partially, during awake hours is the primary treatment for amblyopia. Performing near activities (reading, coloring, and playing handheld computer games) during treatment may be more engaging to the brain and result in better or faster visual recovery.

What are the treatment options available for squint?

It is the common name for "strabismus,” where the eyes are not aligned in the same direction. Strabismus or Squint can be treated in various ways. Depending on the individual case, treatment options include glasses, prisms in spectacles, patching of the eye, and surgery

What are the complications of wearing contact lenses?

The majority of safety problems are linked to excessive contact lens use, particularly overnight usage, and poor hygiene. If you are wearing contact lenses, never ignore any redness, irritation, or watering and consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Contact lens issues include giant papillary conjunctivitis (allergic), superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (dry eye), corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer (keratitis), and so on.

What are the lifestyle dos and don'ts for glaucoma patients?

Not really. There is no external factor impacting the progression of glaucoma. There are no dietary restrictions. Continue with your typical lifestyle and take your medications regularly. If you have hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid illness, it must be adequately managed. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of tea and coffee, as caffeine has been shown to raise eye pressure in some people.

What tests are used to diagnose glaucoma?

Applanation Tonometry, Fundus, and Gonioscopy are all part of a routine eye checkup. Depending on the amount of suspicion, we request the following confirmatory tests: perimetry, central corneal thickness, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

I have a refractive error; should I get glasses, contacts, or Lasik?

The choice between the options listed above is determined by age, refractive error, eye condition, and personal preference. age, If a person prefers not to wear glasses, contact lenses are a safe alternative. If you do not like contact lenses or find them difficult to use, Lasik is an alternative. It provides a permanent option for getting rid of your glasses or contact lenses. Only the reading or close number may appear later in life, after 40 to 45 years of age.

How soon can one attain vision visual recovery following Lasik?

Visual recovery occurs within a day, while fine focus takes 5-7 days. People return to work after two or three days. Post-operative eye drops are necessary for 3-4 weeks, with the amount gradually reduced. Initially, there may be glare while driving at night, but this will subside after a few weeks.