Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye problems, diseases, and injuries.
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS:
- Diagnose and treat all kinds of eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
- Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Treat eye injuries.
- Perform surgery on the eye, such as cataract removal, glaucoma correction, or LASIK surgery.
Ophthalmology services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital include The Eye Center, Retina Institute and Vision Centers. Board-certified Washington University physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital provide comprehensive ophthalmic care, as well as subspecialty care, in every area of eye disorders. Comprehensive ophthalmology, diagnostic laboratories and optometry in vision centers supplement clinical services.
The Washington University Eye Center offers nationally renown physicians in each subspecialty area of ophthalmology. Whether you need a routine eye exam or a refractive surgeon, there is a physician who can provide for your eye health care needs.
The Retina Institute specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina, vitreous and macula. With more than 30 years of experience, the practice that forms the core of the Institute is recognized nationally for its high standard of patient care and for its contributions to diagnosis, surgery and laser treatment.
COMMON TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS INCLUDE:
- Drainage from the eyes
- Eyestrain or vision changes
- Misaligned eyes or strabismus
- Blood in the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
- Eyelid problems
- Contact lens problems
- Color blindness
- Night blindness
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinal problems, such as diabetic retinopathy
- Red eyes that may be caused by infection, inflammation, or tumors.
- Uveitis
- Macular degeneration