Disorders in one's eye can have devastating effects on people's eyesight. The field of ophthalmology has produced treatment options that can often address these problems and improve your vision. Treatment methods have continued to enhance over the years to give patients better outcomes.

Ophthalmologists are eye doctors in this field who are capable of performing eye surgery and laser treatments and often prescribe medications that are formulated to help correct vision problems and stop the progression of certain eye disorders.

Clearer Vision Without Cataracts

Cataract surgery is one of the greatest advancements in the field of ophthalmology and has helped numerous patients see better. The cloudiness in one's eye that many people with cataracts experience can be treated with traditional or laser-assisted surgery. Careful incisions are made on the cornea so that the cloudy parts of the lens can be removed. Ophthalmology treatment methods will likely be developed further over the coming years so that cataract surgery can be performed in an even less invasive manner.

Alleviating the Pressure of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is known to occur when pressure placed behind the eyes reaches abnormally high and dangerous levels. This excessive pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss to the point of total blindness. Thanks to advancements in ophthalmology, treatments have been developed to address both the open-angle and acute angle-closure forms of glaucoma. The damage to the eye that has been caused by the condition cannot be reversed, but prescription eye drops, oral medications, and surgery can often lower pressure in the eye and slow the disease's progression to prevent further vision loss.

Developing Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is among the leading causes of vision loss and total blindness and affects more Americans than cataracts and glaucoma combined. Even though there is no cure for the condition, research in the field of ophthalmology continues to be conducted to develop treatments to address both the wet and dry forms of AMD. Ophthalmologists can often recommend lifestyle changes and adaptive devices that are known to help people with the condition see clearer in their everyday lives. Photodynamic therapy may help some patients who have wet AMD.

Treatment of Rare Eye Conditions

In addition to the most common eyesight problems, knowledgeable ophthalmologists can provide treatments for many rare eye conditions. Children can experience some of these rare conditions, and having the problems treated by an opthalmologist can help ensure they have a better vision for the years to come. Some rare eye conditions that ophthalmologists are known to treat include:

• Retinoblastoma
• Cystinosis 
• Coloboma
• Optic neuritis
• Bloody tears (hemolacria) 
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension 

Ophthalmology has revolutionized the way people see and continues to show promising results in the development of better treatments. An ophthalmologist can treat both adults and children who have different eye conditions so that the sense of sight can continue to be enjoyed throughout life. Reach out to a local ophthalmology service near you to learn more.