Ophthalmology is a surgical and medical subspecialty dedicated to the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye, optic nerve, and surrounding structures.

• Preservation and Restoration of Vision: Prevent avoidable blindness, correct refractive errors, and restore sight through medical or surgical interventions.
• Early Detection of Ocular & Systemic Diseases: Identify eye disorders (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration) and systemic conditions manifested in the eyes (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, hypertension) before irreversible damage occurs.
• Management of Ocular Trauma: Treat emergency injuries affecting the eye, orbit, and surrounding facial structures to preserve tissue integrity and sight.
• Functional & Aesthetic Reconstruction: Correct structural issues of the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit through oculoplastic procedures.

Ophthalmologists evaluate visual function and anatomical integrity using specialized diagnostic equipment:

• Refraction & Visual Acuity: Measuring sight acuity to prescribe corrective lenses or evaluate surgical candidacy.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: Biomicroscopic evaluation of anterior structures (cornea, iris, lens).
• Tonometry: Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) to screen for and monitor glaucoma.
• Fundoscopy & Imaging: Examining the posterior segment (retina, macula, optic nerve) using fundus cameras, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and angiography.

• Treating ocular infections, inflammations (e.g., uveitis, conjunctivitis), and dry eye syndrome using topical or systemic pharmaceuticals.
• Managing chronic progressive conditions like glaucoma with pressure-lowering eye drops or neuroprotective therapies.

Ophthalmology is a heavily surgical specialty incorporating microsurgery and laser technologies:

• Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification and implantation of artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• Refractive Surgery: LASIK, PRK, or SMILE to permanently reshape the cornea for vision correction.
• Retinal Procedures: Vitrectomy, retinal detachment repairs, and anti-VEGF intravitreal injections.
• Oculoplastics & Orbital Surgery: Repairing ptosis (drooping eyelids), unblocking tear ducts, or removing orbital tumors.