An ophthalmologist, also known as eye specialist, diagnoses and treats patients with eye problems and diseases and they might also perform eye surgeries. These eye specialists deal with the eyes, including their anatomy, physiology, and related diseases.
Methods for Diagnosing Eye Conditions: Ophthalmology Screenings at Gleneagles Hospitals
From birth and childhood to old age, eye screening tests should be regularly scheduled as while some eye conditions may be detected during childhood, others may appear later.
Through consistent maintenance of eye health, Gleneagles Hospitals' Ophthalmology specialists strive to ensure early diagnosis and treatment options for any current or even potential eye disorders and diseases.
1
Visual Acuity Testing
Visual Acuity Testing evaluates and determines the capacity for one to see both close and far. This test involves reading letters on a backlit board. Children who cannot read yet will be given a simpler version.
2
Tonometry
Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures the pressure of the eyes. Typically, it is used for those who may suffer from glaucoma.
3
Dilated Pupillary Exam
To check the retina for any signs of eye diseases, specialised drops of medication will be applied to the eye to dilate the pupil allowing the ophthalmologist a wider opening to view.
4
Cornoreal Topography
A computer is used to check the curvature of the patient's cornea and this test is typically necessary before an eye surgery or first time contact lenses.
5
Refraction
This diagnostic test is used to determine the required type of prescription glasses. The ophthalmologist tests the different strengths of lenses which help the patient achieve the clearest and sharpest possible vision.
Eye Conditions and Symptoms
1
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve. It is usually present in older individuals, causing loss of sight and if untreated, permanent blindness.
Because it has no visible symptoms in early stages, this can lead to gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, tunnel vision, and finally if not treated, permanent vision loss in patients.
2
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), described as a central loss of vision, typically affects adults over the ages of 50 and is attributed to damage to a small area central of the retina called the macula.
The most apparent symptom of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is blurred central vision as well as the lack of ability to tackle tasks that require "straight ahead" vision.
3
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia usually develops in childhood due to improper development of vision from uncorrected squinting or refractive errors. This eye condition reflects poor vision without the presence of eye disease. Only one eye is usually affected, but it is possible for Amblyopia to be present in both eyes.
4
Hyperopia
Hyperopia or farsightedness is an eye condition that makes it difficult for the patient to focus on objects closer to their eyes. This is due to the eyeball being physically too short to effectively refract light and is usually solved with prescription lenses.
Symptoms of farsightedness can also include overall blurred vision and sore eyes from reading text and headaches.
5
Presbiopia
Deemed as the loss of one's auto-focus function in the eye to nearer objects, this is caused by ligaments of the eye lens hardening naturally over time. This condition is often confused with hyperopia.
Other common symptoms of presbyopia include visual fatigue and the inability to read small texts. Presbyopia can also occur with other refractive errors.
6
Myopia
Myopia is more commonly known as short-sightedness. The most common symptom is the inability to see objects that are far away. Other common symptoms include blurry vision when focusing on distant objects or when reading.
Myopia tends to develop in early childhood. It is typically corrected with glasses.
7
Cataract
Indicated via a cloudiness on the lens of the eye, this eye disease usually develops in older individuals but can occur as a result from injury or trauma, prolonged eye inflammation as well as steroid treatment. Certain infants can also be born with cataracts.
The most common symptom exhibited by cataracts is blurry vision. However, other symptoms can include fading colours, light sensitivity, glare, and double vision.
8
Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not maintain proper alignment and point in different directions.
Often developing in childhood, this eye condition usually requires a surgical procedure to straighten the eyes. Less serious cases may only require specialised prescription glasses.
9
Thyroid eye disease
Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ ophthalmology or Graves’ eye disease, is a condition in which the body's immune system causes swelling and inflammation in the eye. It also causes the production of fat and muscle tissue behind the eye. This will cause the eyelids and the eyes to become swollen, red, and bulging out.
Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for thyroid eye disease.
Eye Specialist Clinics at Gleneagles Hospitals
At Gleneagles Hospitals, we are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones see it through the tiresome and elaborate process of eye-related diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Quality medical care aside, we provide each patient access to nothing but the best in modern innovative medical technology. The team of health professionals, including experienced eye specialists and ophthalmologists, create personalised eye treatment plans to best suit each different individual and their lifestyles, prioritising the best possible outcomes to minimise any possible side effects during your recovery process.
To further help you maintain good eye health and preserve your vision for as long as possible, it is vital that your overall health is taken care of. As our sense of sight is an essential and valuable part of life and our well-being, our expert, compassionate and committed team of dedicated eye professionals are ready to help you every step of the way.
If you or maybe your loved ones are having any concerns regarding changes or disturbances in sight, please do not hesitate to set up an appointment and the team of Ophthalmologists will take care of the rest.
