Ophthalmology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the anatomy, function, and diseases of the eye. It combines various areas of healthcare including vision science, surgical interventions, and systemic diseases that can affect the eyes.
The field of ophthalmology encompasses several areas of expertise. General ophthalmology addresses common conditions such as refractive errors, eye infections, and dry eye. Specialized branches of ophthalmology include retinal care, which focuses on diseases of the retina like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and corneal care, which addresses conditions like corneal ulcers and keratoconus. Another important area is glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. Ophthalmologists specializing in glaucoma offer treatment options to prevent vision loss and preserve eye health.