What Is Ophthalmology and When to See a Doctor

Ophthalmology is the study of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a professional who works in this field. He or she is an eye doctor. This person's medical experience and training focus on the eye and a person's vision. These professionals receive extensive training of this area of the body can provide a range of services to the public as a result. Some do perform surgeries while others focus on basic eye care, such as ensuring health, prescribing glasses or aiding in contact lens selection.

When to See a Professional

There are some instances in which seeing a professional in ophthalmology is important. Most often, people do not see this type of doctor frequently enough. As a child grows, it usually becomes clear if he or she will have any deviation from perfect vision within the first few years of life. It will take until a person is 20 or even older for that vision to stabilize and not change as frequently. However, aside from a pediatrician recommending a visit, there are other times when seeing this professional makes sense.

- See an eye doctor whenever you experience any changes in your eyesight. For example, if you struggle to see as well as you once did, even by a slight amount, report this to your doctor. It could be the onset of an illness or just a passing condition.

- If you wear contact lenses or eyeglasses, you should be in to see your eye doctor at least one time every year. Even as adults, these prescriptions can change and affect your vision. Those with ailments or other conditions may need to seek out their doctor's care more frequently.

- If you have trouble with pain in your sinus cavity behind your eyes, it may be beneficial to turn to a physician initially. However, some conditions affecting the eyes including illnesses need attention from an ophthalmologist instead.

- Visit this professional regularly as you age, too. Eyesight can begin to change later in life as well. Even those with perfect vision throughout their life can develop cataracts or other conditions on the eyes as they age. Beginning at age 50, individuals may need to see an eye specialist each year.

For those who may not know much about ophthalmology and the eye in general, a trip to see this type of doctor may not seem important. However, there are situations in which worsening eyesight or pain can be signs of a larger, more severe problem. That is when it becomes important for you to seek out attention immediately.