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 WashU Medicine Eye Center. Board-certified WashU Medicine 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 WashU Medicine 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.
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