Ophthalmology

The eyes are one of the most susceptible parts of the human body. Maintenance and repairs of eye defects require professional attention and expertise. Ophthalmologists specialize in performing a variety of therapeutic procedures in the field of eye health and diseases. Diseases such as eye traumas, retinal or lens damage, cataracts, lens defects, strabismus, diabetes or old age macular degeneration, glaucoma, malignant conditions and uveitis are among the diseases of interest in ophthalmology. Eye diseases may be due to environmental factors, hereditary or congenital. Eye diseases can lead to visual defects that can cause impairing of vision. The treatment of various conditions that can be seen in the eyelids, cornea, tear ducts, lens of the eye, eye vessels or nerve tissues that provide vision is within the scope of ophthalmology's expertise.

 

Ophthalmologists: How Can They Help You?

The question of what the difference is between opticians and ophthalmologists often comes to mind. Although these two occupational groups have different areas of expertise, they form part of a multidisciplinary approach and play a role in the treatment of eye diseases. Opticians are a professional group that specializes in suitable eyeglass frames, glass types and contact lenses. Opticians are not involved in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. They cannot do an eye examination and cannot write a prescription when necessary. If glasses are included in the treatment plan planned by the specialist doctor, they assist the patients in choosing the appropriate glasses. Ophthalmologists have competencies such as performing eye examinations, using various diagnostic methods such as vision testing and prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Since ophthalmology is a surgical branch, various surgical operations such as cataract surgery, retinal surgery and strabismus surgery can be performed by ophthalmologists. As medical doctors, ophthalmologists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, surgery and post-operative care of all eye problems.

 

Why Should You See an Ophthalmologist?

The eyes are a vital window to the world. A healthy eye is essential to keep normal functions of life. There are many reasons to see an ophthalmologist for this valuable organ, which is a very sensitive and indispensable part of individuals. Since eye problems in children and adults vary, their areas of expertise and treatment approaches also differ. It is essential to see an ophthalmologist, especially in those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, those with certain genetic syndromes, and those with a family history of eye diseases such as night blindness, astigmatism, tumors or cataracts. When some symptoms are noticed, it may be too late and permanent vision loss may be inevitable. After the age of 65, the eyes tend to deteriorate more rapidly; it is recommended that you see your doctor once a year. A comprehensive eye examination is required once a year for every contact lens wearer, regardless of age. Important points in improving and protecting eye health include regulating lifestyle and daily activities, reducing stress levels or adopting strategies for coping with stress, avoiding direct sunlight or exposure to UV rays, and avoiding screens for too long. It is also important to stick to the treatment plan for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, to use prescribed medications regularly, and to have routine eye examinations. Apart from these, in order to prevent permanent damage and plan effective treatment, it is important to have an eye examination without delay in cases such as eye infection, severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, black spots or flashes of light in the visual field, blurring or double vision, a feeling of pressure in the eye, discharge or bleeding.

Ophthalmologist examinations are very important for children in the early diagnosis and treatment of visual defects that may cause serious problems in their future lives. It is essential for both physical and psychosocial development of children not to delay the treatment of defects that require early intervention, such as strabismus, in order for children to complete their healthy development. A comprehensive check-up every five years after the age of 20 is also recommended for healthy adults without vision and eye problems.

 

What Are the Different Subspecialties in Ophthalmology?

The sub-branches serving within the scope of the ophthalmology department can be summarized as follows.

• Cornea: In this section, pathologies of the anterior part of the eye, including the cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva, are evaluated. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as corneal ulcers, keratoconus (forward bulging and protrusion of the normally round shaped cornea, that is, the clear layer of the eye), dry eye syndrome, herpetic keratitis and degenerative diseases of the cornea.
• Retina: It is the sub-branch where various diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal tear, macular degeneration (age-related macular degeneration), occlusion of retinal vessels, eye traumas, night blindness are evaluated and treatment planning is done. Since retinal diseases are associated with the vitreous, the transparent parts of the eye, namely the lens and vitreous, should be thoroughly examined together with the retina. Because retinal cells cannot regenerate when damaged, retinal damage can cause permanent problems. It may be possible to diagnose some systemic diseases, neurological problems and tumors with retinal examination. In particular, diabetic retinopathy may result in permanent loss of vision, and early diagnosis and intervention may be possible with the retinal examination.
• Glaucoma and Neuro-Ophthalmology: Glaucoma is a disease that causes vision loss by directly affecting the optic nerve. It is also known as eye pressure among people. In glaucoma, intraocular pressure rises, but the increase in intraocular pressure alone is not responsible for the disease picture. The aim of the treatment of glaucoma is to prevent the progression of the disease and to prevent vision loss. The main treatment method is surgery for glaucoma. Neuro-ophthalmology focuses on the relationship between the eye and the brain. This area tries to treat problems such as double vision and optic neuritis with eye surgery and corrective treatments.
• Strabismus: Strabismus is characterized by eyes looking in different directions. One of the eyes may look straight ahead and the other may point inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. It can be seen in both eyes. There are different types of strabismus and occult strabismus is one of the most common eye pathologies in children. Visual examination and eye checks are important in all children in the first 3 years of age. If there is a family history of strabismus or lazy eye, these examinations should be done before 3 years of age.
• Oculoplasty: It focuses on cancers and tumors that can form in the eye and cause serious functional damage. Oculoplastic eye surgery includes surgical procedures to correct problems with the eyelids, and tear ducts. It includes procedures such as intraocular tumor surgeries, chalazion treatment, prosthetic eye construction, and aesthetic surgery applications such as almond eye surgeries and botox.
• Uveal diseases: Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation among the most common uveal diseases. Uveitis symptoms usually come on suddenly and get worse quickly. The common symptoms are red eyes, severe pain, and blurred vision. It can occur in both eyes and caused by infection, trauma or autoimmunity in any age group.
• Refractive surgery: These subspecialties focus on vision correction, including treatments that eliminate the need for prescription glasses and treatments that treat problems affecting the retina and vitreous, such as macular degeneration and retinal detachment. One of the most well-known operations among refractive surgeries is laser eye surgery. It is widely used in the treatment of eye defects such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia (deterioration of near vision with increasing age). It involves reshaping the outer surface of the cornea with laser beams.

Ophthalmology provides services in many different specialities. It has a wide scope from near or far vision defects to chronic diseases that affect the whole body such as cancer and diabetes. With the developing technology, the treatment types of eye diseases have increased considerably.

 

Finding Solutions with Ophthalmology: Surgeries and Medical Therapies

Laser eye surgery, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, refractive surgery, corneal surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, eye muscle surgery and oculoplastic surgery are some of the surgical procedures planned and applied in the field of eye surgery. While it is possible to treat very common eye defects such as myopia and hyperopia with laser eye surgery, it is possible to treat strabismus with eye muscle surgery. While advanced technology procedures such as oculoplastic surgery and prosthetic eye applications can be applied, many cataract patients, young and old, can regain their vision with cataract surgery. There are a number of medications that ophthalmologists can prescribe for the treatment or diagnosis of diseases. Some medical treatments can be summarized as follows;

• Antibiotics for treating eye-related bacterial infections.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
• Corticosteroids for reducing inflammation and swelling.
• Cycloplegics paralyze the ciliary muscles, which helps in the diagnosis of eye diseases.
• Antiglaucoma drugs for reducing intraocular pressure.
• Antiviral drugs for treating viral infections of the eye.
• Retinoids for treating conditions affecting the retina, such as age-related macular degeneration.
• Lubricants for moisturizing the surgical eye after treatment and relieving dryness and discomfort.
• Glasses and contact lenses can be prescribed in various conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and strabismus.

 

Meeting All Your Ophthalmological Needs

USHAŞ is an affiliate of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, promoting international health services in Türkiye, including the Ophthalmology Department, as part of its efforts to support medical tourism. HealthTürkiye was established to coordinate the activities of the private and public sectors for health tourism and to provide a range of services to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. HealthTürkiye aims to be the world leader in healthcare services with its expert and experienced healthcare teams and healthcare institutions equipped with advanced technology, and to provide guidance services to guests who prefer Türkiye to receive healthcare services from all over the world.