Why is it important to go to the ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmology is a medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the eye and its attached structures. At the Hospital del Guadalentín, located in Murcia, we have a team of highly trained ophthalmologists to offer comprehensive and personalized care to our patients. The following are several key aspects of ophthalmology supported by recent scientific research.

What is the ophthalmologist treating?

The ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye health care. His training includes both general medical studies and a specific specialization in ophthalmology. These professionals are trained to:

Diagnosing and treating eye diseases: According to a study published in the journal Ophthalmology (2020), ophthalmologists play a crucial role in early detection of eye diseases, which can prevent d-loss.
Performing eye surgeries: A report from The Lancet (2019) highlights that surgical interventions such as cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment are critical to improving patients’ quality of life.
Prescribing and adjusting corrective lenses: Research published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2018) confirms that proper correction of refractive errors can significantly improve visual function and reduce symptoms of visual fatigue
Managing systemic diseases that affect vision: A study in Diabetes Care (2019) highlights the importance of ophthalmic control in diabetic patients to prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy.

What diseases does the ophthalmologist see?

The ophthalmologist treats a wide variety of diseases and eye conditions, including:

Cataracts: Cataract surgery has been extensively researched and proven to be effective in improving vision, according to the JAMA Ophthalmology study (2021).
Glaucoma: Research in the American Journal of Ophthalmology (2018) reveals that early treatment of glaucoma can slow disease progression and preserve vision.
Macular degeneration: A study by The New England Journal of Medicine (2020) shows that anti-VEGF therapies are effective in managing age-associated macular degeneration.
Diabetic retinopathy: Regular follow-up and laser treatment or intraocular injections, supported by research in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice (2019), are essential to prevent vision loss.
Retina Detachment: An article in the British Journal of Ophthalmology (2019) highlights the importance of timely surgery for successful treatment.
Refractive errors: Lens correction or refractive surgery improves patients’ quality of life, according to a study in Clinical Ophthalmology (2018).

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an eye doctor?

The main difference between an ophthalmologist and an eye doctor is in their training and the extent of their competencies:

Ophthalmologist: He is a doctor with university training in medicine and a specialization in ophthalmology. He is trained to perform complex diagnostics, medical and surgical treatments. JAMA Network Open (2020) supports the effectiveness of ophthalmologists in the management of complex eye diseases.
Oculist: Usually refers to an optician-optometrist, who is not a doctor, but a professional who specializes in the correction of vision through lenses and glasses. Optometrists can perform eye tests and detect visual problems, but they cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. A study in Optometry and Vision Science (2019) shows the importance of optometrists in the detection and correction of refractive errors.¿Cuándo se debe consultar a un oftalmólogo?

When should an ophthalmologist be consulted?

It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist in the following situations:

Sudden or progressive loss of vision.
Persistent eye pain.
Blurred or double vision.
Presence of spots, flashes or shadows in the visual field.
Persistent red eyes or eye secretion.
Family history of eye disease.
Regular control for people with diabetes, hypertension, or other systemic diseases that may affect the eyes.

Ocular pathologies treated by Ophthalmologist

Among the eye pathologies that our ophthalmologists treat at the Hospital del Guadalentín are:

Conjunctivitis: Research in The Ocular Surface (2020) highlights the effectiveness of antibiotic and antihistamine treatment in infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
Keratitis: A study in Cornea (2019) highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications in keratitis.
Uveitis: Management of uveitis, according to Ocular Immunology and Inflammation (2018), includes immunosuppressive therapy to prevent recurrence and preserve vision.
Strabismus: Surgery and visual therapy are effective for the treatment of strabismus, as evidenced in an article in Strabismus (2018).
Dry eye: The review in American Journal of Ophthalmology (2019) shows the efficacy of treatments with artificial tears and heat release devices for dry eye management.

The ophtalmology team at the Hospital del Guadalentín, we are committed to the eye health of our patients, offering cutting-edge treatments and personalized care. Do not hesitate to consult us about any eye problems; our priority is to take care of your vision.