Computerization and addiction to gadgets harms vision. You can’t do without a doctor, but what is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist if both treat eye diseases? Myths and truth on this topic.
An ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist: what are the differences?
At first glance, these are different specialties. “Ophthalmologist” sounds more significant, so it seems that his qualifications are higher, he owns complex medical instruments and uses the most modern equipment.
Contributing to misinformation are clinics that actively advertise the services of their ophthalmologists and contrast them with ophthalmologists, who are often perceived as doctors who can only test visual acuity and prescribe simple drops.
In fact, the difference between an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist is only in the name.
However, the names have the same origin. The word “ophthalmologist” is formed from two parts: “ophthalmos” translated from Greek means “eye”, and “logos” means “teaching”. The second name comes from the Latin language. "Oculus" means the same eye.
To summarize, we can say that ophthalmologist is the official name of the specialty, which until 1981 was called “ophthalmologist.” Many people remember exactly that version, which is outdated today - and this is the main reason for the confusion in concepts. There is also a common name - “eye glazer”.
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Who are an ophthalmologist and an ophthalmologist?
Both names are used to designate a medical specialty dedicated to the study of the organ of vision. The competence of this doctor (it does not matter whether he is an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist, there is no difference) includes the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
An ophthalmologist is a specialist who has received a higher medical education and has completed training (internship, residency) in the field of ophthalmology. Contrary to popular belief, the difference in professional training between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist is a myth.
The medical profession associated with the treatment of pathologies of the organ of vision involves division into narrow specializations, but not into ophthalmologist and ophthalmologist.
- An ophthalmologist who deals with the surgical treatment of eye diseases. He performs eye surgeries, removes tumors on the eyelids and foreign bodies in the organ of vision, and provides emergency care for injuries and burns.
- Pediatric ophthalmologist , who is responsible for eye diseases in patients under 18 years of age.
An eye specialist conducts consultations in clinics, ophthalmology departments of hospitals, medical centers, and clinics.
There is an opinion that an ophthalmologist works in a hospital and performs complex medical procedures on the eyes, while an ophthalmologist’s job is outpatient visits. In fact, the difference here is that the hospital is usually equipped with more modern equipment that expands diagnostic capabilities. And the supposedly insufficient qualifications of the ophthalmologist is just another myth.
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What does an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist) do?
The organ of vision is a complex and fragile system, subject to the negative influence of a large number of factors. Therefore, the scope of work for an “eye doctor,” regardless of whether he is called an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist, is very wide.
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What diseases does an ophthalmologist treat?
This doctor is in charge of diagnosing and treating pathologies of the organ of vision. Here are the most common ones:
- Inflammatory diseases : conjunctivitis (damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), barley (damage to the hair eyelash follicle of a bacterial nature), demodicosis (a parasitic disease provoked by acne mites), etc.
- Glaucoma is a condition associated with increased intraocular pressure caused by impaired outflow of intraocular fluid. As a result, the optic nerve and retina are affected. If unfavorable, it can lead to blindness.
- Cataract . Cloudiness of the lens located behind the iris develops. Normally it is transparent. As a result, its ability to transmit light and refract rays is impaired. Develops due to age-related changes, eye injuries, etc. Treated surgically.
- Myopia , or myopia. The image of the observed objects is focused in front of the retina, and not on it. Perception is disrupted, all objects appear unclear, with a blurred outline. If no action is taken, this condition will progress: vision will become increasingly deteriorating.
- Farsightedness (hypermetropia). In this case, light rays are focused behind the retina, so it becomes difficult to see nearby objects. The causes are congenital anomalies, as well as damage to the eyeball, cornea, and lens. Many people who have crossed the 60-year mark develop age-related farsightedness.
- Spasm of accommodation .
Associated with spasm of the ciliary muscle: it contracts but does not relax. The patient cannot normally view distant objects. It may occur when reading for a long time, sitting at a computer, or watching TV close to the screen. - Strabismus is a deviation of the visual axis of one or two eyes in a certain direction. It can be congenital or appear as a result of injuries, damage to the oculomotor muscles of various natures, complications after illnesses, etc. In this condition, it is difficult for the patient to focus on an object with both eyes at the same time.
- Astigmatism is a deformation of the cornea or lens (they can be affected at the same time). It becomes difficult for a person to focus on a specific subject.
- Retinal angiopathy is vascular damage that occurs against the background of other diseases (diabetes mellitus, etc.) as a result of injuries. Flashes and darkening occur in the eyes, vision suffers.
Defectologist and speech therapist: what is the difference?
Useful video about what vision problems occur in children:
An ophthalmologist provides assistance with injuries and burns of the eye resulting from accidents, falls, in everyday situations, etc. Eye injuries are often accompanied by traumatic brain injuries, so the ophthalmologist in such situations interacts with a neurologist.
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An ophthalmologist for pregnant women: why is it necessary?
An examination by this doctor is mandatory for all pregnant women: a visit to an ophthalmologist will have to be made immediately upon registration. If there are problems, a second consultation will be needed in the second half of pregnancy.
In expectant mothers, vision functions may be impaired. This is due to an increase in pressure and an increase in the volume of circulating blood. During childbirth, pressure can increase to critical levels, causing damage to the retinal vessels.
Often, it is the ophthalmologist who decides whether a woman can give birth on her own. Natural childbirth is contraindicated in case of progressive high myopia, as well as if pathological changes in the fundus are detected (dystrophy or retinal detachment, hemorrhages, etc.).
Having discovered a retinal lesion in a pregnant woman, an ophthalmologist may recommend that she consult another specialist to clarify the cause of the problem.
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Preventative examinations with an ophthalmologist
Consultation with an “eye doctor” is an important stage of a medical examination that representatives of many professions undergo (teachers, civil servants, drivers, pilots, etc.). This event is planned and is usually held once a year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mklfM2xlvrM
To detect visual impairment in the early stages, all adults are recommended to visit an ophthalmologist annually. This is especially true for those who constantly and actively use gadgets and spend a lot of time at the computer.
Preventive examinations by a pediatric ophthalmologist are of great importance. The first of them is carried out in the maternity hospital, and then they are carried out at 1-2 months, at 6 months and at 1 year (in premature babies, examinations are carried out more often). If no pathologies are identified, up to 7 years of age, an ophthalmologist examines the child once a year; if there are any problems, an individual schedule of visits is drawn up.
Many ophthalmological problems are easier to eliminate at a young age, so timely contact with a pediatric ophthalmologist will help avoid serious problems in the future.
An ophthalmologist issues certificates necessary to obtain a driver's license, a permit to carry a weapon, etc. He first conducts an examination similar to a standard medical examination.
Psychiatrist and psychotherapist: what is the difference and when to contact them
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When to see an ophthalmologist
The most common reason for visiting this doctor is deteriorating vision. In most cases, this happens gradually and may go unnoticed for several years.
People go to an ophthalmologist when the functioning of the visual analyzer is so impaired that it begins to interfere with a full life.
Therefore, it is important to know the early symptoms of visual problems, such as:
- blurred vision of objects located far or near, double vision;
- painful sensations in the eye area in bright light, often combined with lacrimation (photophobia);
- foreign object entering the eye;
- rapid fatigue and soreness of the organ of vision;
- the appearance of light flashes before the eyes, the sensation of “flies”;
- noticeable deterioration of peripheral vision ;
- redness of the eyes (including eyelids).
At the first symptoms of eye damage, you need to go to the doctor, and it doesn’t matter what inscription will be on the door of his office, an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist: the only difference is in the name.
Many ophthalmological pathologies, in the absence of timely treatment, lead to irreversible changes, even complete blindness.
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How is the appointment going?
This doctor examines the condition and functioning features of the structures of the organ of vision in the same way, regardless of whether he is called an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist - there is no difference.
The examination begins with a visual acuity test. Here special tables with letter rows are used. For special categories of patients (children, deaf-mutes, etc.) there are tables with figures, as well as images of circles with a fragment cut out on one side.
For a comprehensive assessment of the condition and functioning of the organ of vision, the following is used:
- Examination of the fundus , its retina and blood vessels. It is carried out with a special device - an ophthalmoscope.
- Determination of intraocular pressure.
- Assessment of color perception . Serves to determine the ability to distinguish colors. Here we use tables depicting circles of different shades.
- Study of light refractive structures of the eye.
- Study of the boundaries of visual fields (the totality of all points of space that a stationary eye can simultaneously perceive).
For a more accurate diagnosis, biomicroscopy of the eye may be required (allows you to accurately identify deformations of the eye structures), assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the cornea, and study of binocular vision (the ability to see objects with two eyes at once).
Having decided on the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist develops a scheme for correcting the problem. Conservative and surgical techniques are used here.
- Conservative methods include the selection of glasses or lenses, the prescription of vitamins and eye drops (antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory or aimed at combating an allergic reaction - it all depends on the identified pathology).
- Surgical treatment may be necessary if a disease of the cornea, damage to the iris, retinal detachment, etc. is diagnosed. It is used for myopia, astigmatism, and farsightedness. Most of these operations are low-traumatic and do not require hospitalization.
To get rid of myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism, laser correction is actively used today, the essence of which is to change the refractive ability of the cornea under the influence of a laser beam.
If you find problems with your vision, you should immediately go to the doctor. It doesn’t matter what is written on the door of his office, “Ophthalmologist” or “Ophthalmologist”: there is no difference between them.
Source: https://vrachibolezni.ru/articles/okulist-i-oftalmolog/
Are you worried about your eyesight? When to see an ophthalmologist
Clear vision is extremely important at any age, starting from early childhood. The development of the visual analyzer has its own characteristics, due to which a complete picture of the world is formed step by step.
There are both certain congenital and acquired vision pathologies, which are important to know about and if alarming signs appear, consult a doctor.
Vision is affected by external factors, various diseases and age-related changes.
Making an appointment with an ophthalmologist with your baby
After birth, in the first months of life, the child will have to undergo a number of examinations from various specialists to assess their health. One of the important doctors for them is an ophthalmologist.
He can assess the child’s vision and the condition of all parts of the visual analyzer, determine whether there are any anomalies, inflammatory or other processes. In order to be examined, a preliminary appointment with an ophthalmologist at the clinic is required.
The doctor conducts an examination using special instruments, assessing the reactions of the eyes and the condition of all surrounding tissues.
Doctor visits for adults
Periodic visits to an ophthalmologist are necessary for adult patients, especially if their work involves high visual load or there are people in the family with poor vision. In this case, emerging problems can be easily eliminated or corrected with the help of glasses or wearing lenses.
But besides visual acuity, there are a lot of other diseases of an infectious, allergic and other nature that can negatively affect vision. Today, it is possible to correct visual acuity through surgery using special devices; it is carried out in ophthalmology hospitals and allows people to regain their vision.
But it is not indicated for everyone, in addition, the operation is paid, so for many people traditional correction remains the only solution to the problem.
Visits to an ophthalmologist should become more frequent after the age of 40, when age-related changes in the eye begin and vision may decrease. It is worth regularly undergoing examination by an ophthalmologist, and, if necessary, selecting glasses. If vision suffers due to various diseases, simultaneous observation by a primary specialist and an ophthalmologist is necessary.
What pathologies often affect vision?
Often people with chronic pathologies consult a doctor with complaints of visual impairment. Pathologies such as diabetes mellitus, osteochondrosis with cerebrovascular accident and hypertension are especially dangerous.
They lead to impaired blood circulation in the retinal area, degenerative processes in the area of its vessels and serious complications (retinal angiopathy, retinal detachment), which threatens almost complete blindness.
No less dangerous are various infections that affect the organ of vision and provoke inflammatory processes.
Thus, viral eye infections are dangerous, especially herpes or chlamydial infections, which threaten the cornea with the development of blindness. But banal microbial lesions can also become dangerous if self-medication is carried out or symptoms are ignored for a long time.
The organ of vision can also suffer from allergies, especially when it comes to seasonal hay fever. The development of allergic conjunctivitis can significantly complicate the general condition, disrupts the usual rhythm of life and requires full treatment to avoid complications.
If you have any complaints from the visual analyzer, you should consult a doctor. Particularly dangerous are burning and pain in the eyes, sudden pain in the orbital area, redness or a sharp decrease in vision in one or both eyes.
Flickering of flies and double vision, a floating image, and a decrease in sharpness and clarity over time are dangerous.
Source: https://pulson.ru/raznoe/vas-bespokoit-zrenie-kogda-neobhodim.html
Ophthalmology in Moscow, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, consultations with an ophthalmologist - 8(495)120-02-05
Home » Ophthalmology in Moscow, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, consultations with an ophthalmologist - 8(495)120-02-05
A visit to an ophthalmologist is inevitable for each of us. Eye diseases, vision correction or routine examination – each event requires the knowledge and experience of a specialist. Many diseases are congenital, and after 40 years, the vision of all men and women gradually decreases.
The Doctor Mir clinic has an ophthalmology center, which is represented by experienced ophthalmologists from Moscow. Their qualifications and authority, modern diagnostic and microsurgical equipment, comfortable living conditions and responsive staff guarantee accurate diagnosis and treatment in conditions of cleanliness, safety and convenience. When should you use this?
Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that studies the anatomy and physiology of the eye, eye diseases, methods of their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Ophthalmology covers a wide variety of problems, which may include:
- disturbances in the relationship between the parts of the visual analyzer and the central nervous system;
- aging of the eyes, decreased visual acuity and other age-related changes;
- features of the formation and development of a child’s eyes, eye pathologies in childhood;
- neoplasms of the optic nerve, eyeball, orbit and others.
- Myopia is a defect characterized by the formation of images in front of the retina, rather than on it. Develops with intense and very frequent visual work at close range.
- Farsightedness is a defect in which the image is formed behind the retina rather than on it.
- Barley is an acute inflammatory process in the sebaceous gland.
- Chalazion is a chronic internal inflammation resulting from blockage of the sebaceous glands.
- Conjunctivitis – infectious or non-infectious, acute or chronic inflammatory processes of the eye mucosa.
- Dermatitis of the eyelids is a reaction of allergic origin.
- Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids.
- Cataracts are age-related changes in the eyes as a result of metabolic disorders in the lenses.
- Glaucoma is a complex pathology characterized by decreased vision, atrophy of the optic nerve, and narrowing of the visual fields, which is caused by increased intraocular pressure.
- Diseases of the optic nerve, retina and other eye diseases.
- Redness of the eyes and sticking of the eyelids without a decrease in visual acuity;
- Heaviness of the eyelids, feeling of a speck in the eye;
- Redness of the eyelids and itching;
- Photophobia, spasm of the eyelids, excessive lacrimation;
- Decreased visual acuity, blurring;
- A sharp decrease in vision and pain;
- Pain and sudden blindness due to injury.
Each of these symptoms requires immediate attention. After all, they are a sign of an inflammatory process, age-related changes, the development of a serious pathology or eye injury. To prevent vision loss and maintain your quality of life, you should visit a reliable eye care center.
At the Doctor Mir clinic you will be offered the services of experienced ophthalmologists. Regardless of the severity of the problem, the doctor will completely examine the eyes and check all visual functions. The following diagnostic methods are used:
- Visiometry measures visual acuity and discrimination ability;
- Tonometry measures intraocular pressure;
- Perimetry is necessary to determine visual fields;
- Refraction reveals a number of pathologies using a laser method or using lenses;
- Tonography is performed to study the movement of intraocular fluid.
- Biomicroscopy – examination of the anterior part of the eye and fundus.
Novoderezhkin Vladimir Vladimirovich
Fomin Nikolay Evgenievich
Ophthalmology
NamePrice
| Consultation with an ophthalmologist | 2200,00 |
| Consultation with an ophthalmologist (cmn) | 3200,00 |
| Selection of glasses | 1000,00 |
| Refractometry (one eye) | 100,00 |
| Keratometry (one eye) | 100,00 |
| Gonioscopy (one eye) | 500,00 |
| Tonometry (one eye) | 200,00 |
| Study of the visual field using a spheroperimeter (3-zone strategy) (one eye) | 800,00 |
| Stress tests (water-drinking, dark or water-dark) (includes double tonometry, tonography, campimetry) (one eye) | 2100,00 |
| Unloading tests (pilocarpine) includes quadruple tonometry, campimetry) (one eye) | 1800,00 |
| Removing sutures from the conjunctiva (one suture) | 200,00 |
| Removal of corneoscleral sutures (one suture) | 500,00 |
| Removal of scleral sutures (one suture) | 1000,00 |
| Fundus examination with slit lamp (one eye) | 250,00 |
| Ophthalmoscopy under mydriasis (one eye) | 300,00 |
| Biomicroscopy of the conjunctiva and episclera (one eye) | 150,00 |
| Fluorescein instillation test (one eye) | 100,00 |
| Scarification and shading of the corneal inflammatory focus (one eye) | 200,00 |
| Mechanical eyelash hair removal (one eye) | 150,00 |
| Ophthalmological manipulations: | |
| Subconjunctival or parabulbar injection | 500,00 |
| Retrobulbar injection | 1000,00 |
| Lacrimal duct rinsing | 500,00 |
| Probing the lacrimal ducts | 800,00 |
| Sanitation of eyelids with massage (one session) (one eye) | 300,00 |
| Pterygium removal | 15600,00 |
| Removal of pterygium with reconstruction of the limbal zone | 19500,00 |
| Removal of cholazion up to 5 mm | 9700,00 |
| Removal of cholazion over 5 mm | 13000,00 |
| Removal of eyelid papilloma up to 5 mm | 6500,00 |
| Removal of eyelid papilloma over 5 mm | 9700,00 |
| Removal of entropion | 14300,00 |
| Cryopexy | 6500,00 |
© Doctor Mir Clinic, K+K INVEST LLC. All rights reserved. 2014-2018.
Source: http://doctormir.ru/oftalmologiya/
Vision pathologies and neurological diseases
Deterioration of vision in many cases requires consultation not only with an ophthalmologist, but also with a neurologist, since neurological pathology is often the cause of vision problems. Specialists from the OkoMed clinic will talk about the connection between vision pathologies and neurological diseases
How are ophthalmology and neurology related?
Of course, with the development of various visual impairments, you must first contact an ophthalmologist to rule out organic pathologies. But the joint work of both an ophthalmologist and a neurologist allows for better diagnosis and treatment.
The fact is that damage to the structures located behind the eyeball (the optic nerve, as well as visual centers in certain areas of the brain) leads to neurological problems, which may also have “eye” symptoms.
The structures of the visual analyzer have a close connection with the retina of the eye, so it is often difficult to figure out whether the pathology is ophthalmological or neurological. This applies, for example, to diseases such as ischemic or hereditary optic neuropathy, as well as inflammation of the optic nerve.
In turn, brain damage affects the condition of the fundus vessels and other eye tissues. Thus, the approach to examining patients with eye and neurological diseases should be comprehensive.
Eye symptoms of neurological pathologies
The following “ophthalmological” symptoms may indicate damage to brain structures:
- changes in visual fields;
- complete or partial hemianopsia (loss of part of the visual field;
- transient monocular blindness (sudden short-term loss of vision);
- paresis or paralysis of the eyes with preserved consciousness;
- diplopia (double image) and strabismus (squint);
- blindness in both eyes, as well as hemianopsia (bilateral loss of visual fields).
Skull injuries can manifest as optic disc congestion, strabismus, and nystagmus (frequent involuntary eye movements).
A fracture of the base of the skull may be indicated by “spectacles syndrome,” that is, hemorrhages under the conjunctiva and skin of the eyelids in both eyes.
It is possible to develop a symptom of the superior orbital fissure - complete ophthalmoplegia (that is, paralysis of the extraocular muscles), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeball forward), as well as impaired sensitivity in the trigeminal nerve.
Characteristic ophthalmological symptoms occur with cerebrospinal meningitis:
- inflammation of the optic nerve;
- impaired reaction of one or two pupils, usually in the form of paralytic immobility;
- abducens nerve palsy;
- optic nerve atrophy.
The following signs may indicate a brain abscess:
- bilateral optic disc congestion;
- hemianopsia;
- paralysis;
- pathologically dilated pupils.
An attack of epilepsy, on the contrary, is accompanied by constriction of the pupils, which dilate at the peak of convulsions. The pupils do not react to light, the eyeballs deviate upward or to the side.
With multiple sclerosis, the following are noted:
- narrowing of visual fields;
- the appearance of scotomas (blind areas) in the central part of the visual field;
- blanching of the outward-facing halves of the optic discs;
- periodic decrease in the level of vision, alternating with remissions;
- horizontal nystagmus.
Phenomena such as hemianopsia, papilledema, and ocular muscle paralysis may indicate the development of a brain tumor.
If a patient shows signs of damage to the nervous system, an experienced ophthalmologist will definitely refer the patient for a consultation with a neurologist, which will make it possible to promptly identify the disease and begin its treatment.
Source: https://okomed.ru/patologii-glaz-i-nevrologiya.html
Appointment with an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist)
According to statistics from ophthalmologists, every second resident of Russia has some kind of vision problem. And if you count on a global scale, then people with myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism, cataracts, retinal diseases and other eye anomalies or disorders account for more than 30% of the total population of the Earth. The disappointing fact is that this number continues to increase every year. There are many reasons: a hereditary predisposition, a deteriorating environmental situation, an unhealthy lifestyle, computer abuse, and lack of regular visits to an ophthalmologist. But ophthalmologists never tire of repeating: preventing vision problems is a sure way to protect yourself from serious consequences in the future. It is recommended to check the condition of the visual system at least once every six months even for those who have never worn glasses and do not currently have vision problems, because the list of eye diseases includes many that are asymptomatic, and a person for a long time may not even suspect the presence of problems with vision. vision.
Who should visit an ophthalmologist regularly:
- those who have vision problems wear glasses or contact lenses;
- with a hereditary predisposition (if one of your relatives has vision problems: cataracts, glaucoma, myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism);
- women planning pregnancy, especially those with a high degree of myopia;
- pregnant women;
- people who work at a computer every day;
- people who have undergone a long course of treatment with hormonal drugs;
- people with high or low blood pressure relative to age norms;
- people who have suffered eye injuries, inflammatory diseases (uveitis, iridocyclitis, etc.) of the eyes, eye surgery;
- people with diabetes;
- people over 45-50 years old, even if there are no vision complaints;
- children, especially in the first years of school;
When should you contact an ophthalmologist:
- when vision deteriorates, in particular if one of the two eyes begins to see worse;
- when a veil appears before the eyes, double vision;
- for pain in the eyes;
- with regular dry eyes;
- with frequent and severe redness of the eyes;
- when you feel “sand” or a foreign body;
- when floating “flies” appear before the eyes;
- with discharge from the eyes, lacrimation;
- when rainbow circles appear before the eyes;
- with rapid eye fatigue;
- with photophobia;
- if it is impossible to find glasses;
- if you feel discomfort while wearing glasses;
- for headaches while wearing glasses;
- for eye injuries.
At the Excimer ophthalmology clinic, each patient’s visit to an ophthalmologist begins with a full diagnostic examination of the visual system. During diagnosis, studies are carried out that, in addition to visual acuity, make it possible to determine the functional and anatomical features of the visual apparatus. Such a detailed vision diagnosis gives the ophthalmologist the opportunity to determine the cause of poor vision, identify potential threats and, if treatment is required, select the most preferable option in each specific case. To undergo diagnostics, you will only need one visit to the clinic, during which a complete picture of the patient’s vision condition will be compiled and, if necessary, individual treatment will be selected and its effectiveness will be monitored.
What eye diseases can be detected during an appointment with an ophthalmologist:
It is very important to remember that no eye disease can be diagnosed independently. Without contacting an ophthalmologist, you are putting your health at great risk! Don't self-medicate!
The table below is for informational purposes only.
| Symptoms: | What disease can they talk about: |
|
Cataract |
|
Myopia |
|
Farsightedness |
|
Astigmatism |
|
Retinal diseases |
|
Retinal detachment |
|
Glaucoma |
|
Acute attack of glaucoma |
Leading ophthalmic surgeon and medical director of the Excimer clinics, doctor of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor,
Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences
Pashinova Nadezhda Fedorovna Chief physician of the Moscow ophthalmological clinic "Excimer", ophthalmic surgeon of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor,
Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences
Likhnikevich Evgeniy Nikiforovich
Ophthalmic surgeon of the highest category
Article rating: 4.9/5 (24 ratings)
Source: https://excimerclinic.ru/eye-check/oftalmolog/
Diagnostics by the eyes: what an ophthalmologist sees
We are used to the fact that an ophthalmologist checks our vision and prescribes glasses. As a last resort, he makes “eye” diagnoses - such as myopia, glaucoma or cataracts.
But it turns out that the capabilities of this specialist in diagnosing diseases are much wider. He literally “reads from the eyes” the patient’s entire medical history.
Polina Kostareva, a doctor at the Mira Medical Center in Yekaterinburg, talks about the possibilities of modern ophthalmology.
Polina Kostareva, doctor at the Mira Medical Center in Yekaterinburg.
Please tell me what diseases an ophthalmologist can “see”?
— Changes in the eyes occur in many diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous systems, diseases of the blood, connective tissue, kidneys, pregnancy, some infectious diseases of the body, etc. Many of them lead to decreased vision and even blindness.
This primarily applies to acute and chronic circulatory disorders associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Changes most often occur much later than functional disorders and complement the clinical picture.
But this is not a final diagnosis, but a reason to conduct additional examinations?
— If changes are detected in the retina (fundus of the eye), the ophthalmologist will make a preliminary diagnosis and send the patient for consultation with other specialists to identify concomitant diseases. Which doctor the ophthalmologist will refer you to depends on each case individually.
It is very important that doctors of other specialties also send their patients for consultation with an ophthalmologist, because further tactics and the result of treatment depend on the coherence of medical actions.
How can an ophthalmologist diagnose eye diseases? Is he just looking or using some kind of equipment?
— The standard equipment for an ophthalmology office (whether it is a community clinic or a private medical center) includes an ophthalmoscope and a slit lamp, with which the doctor sees the fundus of the eye. Often problems are visible even without studying the medical history.
An ophthalmologist sees problems even without studying the medical history.
Can a person diagnose anything using his own eyes at home? Or is this impossible?
- Perhaps, but not all. Suppose there is a sting in the eye - a person goes to the mirror and sees that the eye has suddenly turned red and is “swollen with blood.” This indicates that the vessel burst due to the fragility of its wall and a possible increase in pressure. The fragility of blood vessels may indicate possible changes in the fundus of the eye, which is already a serious reason to visit a doctor.
If a person (or others) notice that one pupil is black and the other is cloudy or white, it is worth considering that the possible reason for this is the development of cataracts (clouding of the lens).
It is necessary to listen to internal sensations: discomfort, pain, pressure in the eyes, frequent inflammation. Temporary loss of vision (the eyes suddenly darkened and recovered within a few seconds), as well as, for example, the loss of individual letters when reading a newspaper, should alert you.
There were cases when the patient said: “I’m fine, nothing hurts, it’s just that my vision has become worse with glasses.” After checking visual acuity, it turned out that one eye could not see at all. The person simply did not notice this, since we look with two eyes at the same time. The easiest way to self-diagnosis is to close your eyes from time to time: this way you can determine whether your eyes see the same way.
The easiest way to self-diagnose is to close one eye.
Are diseases visible in the eyes only when they “bloom in full bloom,” or can they be identified at the initial stage?
- Everything is individual. For example, a person has type 1 diabetes mellitus for 10 years, insulin-dependent, sugar always remains within the normal range. With regular monitoring and adequate treatment by an endocrinologist, the retina may not show the classic changes associated with this disease.
And it happens that you have been diabetic for several years, without insulin therapy, your sugar is normal, but the retina is severely damaged. This applies not only to diabetes, but also to hypertension.
I repeat, absolutely everything is individual. Indeed, many diseases can and should be identified at the initial stage.
Can an ophthalmologist see a tendency to disease?
- In principle, it’s possible. Even in a child, young man or girl, if an ophthalmologist detects disturbances in the course and diameter of blood vessels in the eye, it can be assumed that there are changes in the cardiovascular system.
In this case, the doctor warns the patient that a consultation with a therapist is needed to identify concomitant pathologies. The situation will become clear only in dynamics, with further observation.
How quickly do signs of the disease disappear from the eyes if a person is cured? Could it be that the disease has already passed for a week or a month, but the consequences in the eye remain?
- It depends on the disease. If it is conjunctivitis caused by fungal or viral infections, then the consequences may or may not go away quickly.
For example, after acute adenoviral conjunctivitis, precipitates (deposits of inflammatory cells) on the cornea may remain for life. The effects of scrofula (scrufula) are also visible on the cornea. With persistent hypertension or diabetes, the blood vessels will also be changed.
The ophthalmologist immediately sees changes in blood vessels.
Let's talk about mental disorders. It would seem that the eyes are the mirror of the soul, and it is these diseases that should be immediately visible. But let’s say a person hides them well. Are there purely physical signs of mental disorders? By the eyes, of course
— Most often, with mental disorders, there is a violation of the blood supply, vasospasm. We cannot identify mental pathology as such.
Of course, people suffering from schizophrenia may have the same hypertension or diabetes, and then we see changes in the fundus - but of a different pathology, not mental. In general, such diseases cannot be seen “by sight”.
Have you had any interesting cases in your practice when you diagnosed common eye diseases, and this changed a person’s life?
- Yes very many. For example, there was recently a young patient: 24 years old, with complaints of blurred distance vision, who had been using −2 glasses since childhood.
I came to pick up new glasses, but I suggested that she undergo a complete diagnosis, since she last saw an ophthalmologist three years ago.
During the examination, I saw changes in blood vessels, as in hypertension, although the patient had never measured her blood pressure and had no complaints.
Such a picture of the fundus may indicate diseases of the veins of the lower extremities (varicose veins). Upon detailed questioning, the patient confirmed that after active exercise in the gym and taking amino acids, she developed a “venous network” on her legs. The patient was recommended to consult a vascular surgeon.
Another patient came for cosmetic surgery for divergent strabismus of one eye. When questioned, she said that her eye had been seeing very poorly since childhood. During the examination, long-standing lesions were visible on the retina, similar to signs of toxoplasmosis (a parasitic disease of humans and animals).
The girl not only didn’t tell anyone about this, but she wasn’t entirely sure of the diagnosis that the doctors suggested. She was surprised that an ophthalmologist could even see this.
Patients come with complaints of a sharp decrease in vision over a short period of time and a classic picture of diabetic retinopathy on the retina, although these people have never been to an endocrinologist.
After an urgent consultation with this specialist, confirmation of the diagnosis of “diabetes mellitus” and with the correct treatment, the patient’s vision can be preserved. But only the dynamics of observation can determine the degree of progression of the disease.
There are many similar cases. Lately, ophthalmologists often refer patients to doctors of other specialties, because vascular changes occur all the time.
You need to see an ophthalmologist once a year.
To what extent can a visit to an ophthalmologist be used as a method of general diagnostics of the body?
— An ophthalmologist is included in the list of doctors who conduct medical examinations of the population and preventive examinations. But often the examination is superficial due to limited appointment time.
A standard examination is simply collecting complaints, checking visual acuity, and measuring intraocular pressure. With detailed diagnostics, the percentage of people with concomitant diseases would become much smaller.
I believe that you should definitely go to an ophthalmologist, like a fluorography, at least once a year, and I recommend this to all my patients, especially after 30 years. If you already have general or systemic diseases, then you need to see an ophthalmologist once every six months, because without regular examination, such a patient may experience irreversible loss of vision, even blindness.
Eyes like real ones: what ophthalmologists-prosthetists can do
Source: https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/59c4ede73c50f71d116106cb/5c907f5ccc852f00b446d025
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