Overview of Ophthalmology

Branch of medicine and surgery focused on the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye.
Involves the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders, vision problems, and eye injuries.

Outer Layer: Sclera (white part), Cornea (transparent front part).
Middle Layer: Choroid (blood supply), Ciliary body (focus adjustment), Iris (color part).
Inner Layer: Retina (light-sensitive tissue), Macula (central vision), Optic nerve (transmits visual information).

Refractive Errors:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related vision changes)
Cataracts:
- Clouding of the lens, leading to blurred vision.
- Commonly age-related; surgical removal is the primary treatment.
Glaucoma:
- Group of eye conditions causing damage to the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure.
- Can lead to vision loss; treatment includes medications and surgery.
Macular Degeneration:
- Age-related deterioration of the macula, affecting central vision.
- Two types: Dry (more common) and Wet (more severe).
Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Damage to the retina due to diabetes, leading to vision changes.
- Regular screening is crucial for early detection.

Fundoscopy: Examines the retina and optic nerve.
Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
Visual Field Test: Assesses peripheral vision.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides cross-sectional images of the retina.

Medications: Eye drops, oral medications for infections, inflammation, and glaucoma.
Surgery: Lens replacement (cataracts), glaucoma surgery, retinal detachment repair.
Vision Correction: Glasses, contact lenses, refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK).

Focuses on eye anatomy, physiology, and diseases within medicine and surgery.
Encompasses diagnosis and treatment for disorders, vision problems, and injuries related to the eye.

Outer Layer: Includes the sclera (opaque white portion) and cornea (clear front).
Middle Layer: Contains the choroid (provides blood supply), ciliary body (adjusts focus), and iris (gives eye color).
Inner Layer: Composed of the retina (light-sensitive area), macula (responsible for sharp central vision), and optic nerve (conveys visual information to the brain).

Refractive Errors:
- Myopia: Difficulty seeing distant objects.
- Hyperopia: Difficulty focusing on close objects.
- Astigmatism: Distorted vision due to irregular cornea shape.
- Presbyopia: Age-related gradual loss of near vision.
Cataracts:
- Lens clouding leading to blurred vision, commonly linked to aging; primarily treated through surgery.
Glaucoma:
- A collection of eye diseases damaging the optic nerve, often connected to increased intraocular pressure; can result in vision loss, with treatments ranging from medications to surgery.
Macular Degeneration:
- Age-related degeneration of the macula impacting central vision; exists in two forms: dry (more prevalent) and wet (less common but more serious).
Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Damage to the retinal vessels caused by diabetes, affecting vision; emphasizes the importance of regular screenings for early detection.

Fundoscopy: Visual examination of the retina and optic nerve.
Tonometry: Technique for measuring intraocular pressure.
Visual Field Test: Evaluates peripheral vision capabilities.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of retinal layers.

Medications: Includes eye drops and oral drugs targeting infections, inflammation, and conditions like glaucoma.
Surgery: Involves lens replacement for cataracts, surgical intervention for glaucoma, and repair of retinal detachment.
Vision Correction: Options include glasses, contact lenses, and refractive procedures like LASIK.

Consistent eye exams, particularly for individuals with diabetes or familial predisposition.
Protection against UV rays using sunglasses.
Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of smoking.

Innovations in minimally invasive surgical techniques improving patient outcomes.
Research in gene therapy targeting hereditary eye conditions.
Growing integration of telemedicine in providing eye care consultations.