Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology – What is it?

Optometry vs. Ophthalmology – get the correct services and information:

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine specializing in the anatomy, function and diseases of the eye. More information is available from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is an Eye M.D. (Ophthalmologist)?

An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye M.D.s are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many Eye M.D.s are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.

Education & Training Requirements:

In addition to four years of medical school and one year of internship, every Eye M.D. spends a minimum of three years of residency (hospital-based training) in ophthalmology. During residency, Eye M.D.s receive special training in all aspects of eye care, including prevention, diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions and diseases.

Often, an Eye M.D. spends an additional one to two years training in a sub specialty, that is, a specific area of eye care (for example, glaucoma or pediatric ophthalmology.)

Board Certification:

Many (but not all) Eye M.D.s are board certified. A board certified Eye M.D. has passed a rigorous two-part examination given by the American Board of Ophthalmology designed to assess his/her knowledge, experience and skills.

Sub-specialties in this field of medicine: The following are sub-specialties in ophthalmology:

Cornea and External Disease: This sub specialty involves the diagnosis and management of diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva and eyelids, including corneal dystrophies, microbial infections, conjunctival and corneal tumors, inflammatory processes and anterior ocular manifestations of systemic diseases. Training in this area frequently includes corneal transplant surgery and corneal surgery to correct refractive errors.

Glaucoma: This sub specialty includes the treatment of glaucoma and other disorders that may cause optic nerve damage by increasing intraocular pressure. This area involves the medical and surgical treatment of both pediatric and adult patients.

Neuro-ophthalmology: Involving the relationship between neurological and ophthalmic diseases, neuro-ophthalmology also deals with local pathology affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways. Over 50 percent of all intracranial lesions involve the visual or oculomotor pathways. Neuro-ophthalmology is generally practiced as a nonsurgical sub specialty but can be combined with surgery of the eye and orbit.

Ophthalmic Pathology: The ophthalmic pathologist has training in both ophthalmology and pathology, typically in that order. Because of the unique combination of skills involved in this sub specialty, it is usually the ophthalmic pathologist, rather than the general pathologist, who examines tissue specimens from the eye and adnexa.

Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery: The practice of ophthalmic plastic surgery includes orbital surgery, lid and upper facial reconstructive procedures following trauma and tumors and cosmetic lid surgery. Oculoplastic surgeons combine ophthalmic surgery with plastic surgery and are trained in the use of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and chemo-surgery to treat ocular and orbital disease.

Pediatric Ophthalmology: The bulk of pediatric ophthalmic practice involves the medical and surgical management of strabismus, amblyopia, genetic and developmental abnormalities and a wide range of inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic conditions occurring in the first two decades of life. This sub specialty also deals with the ocular manifestations of certain systemic disorders.

Vitreoretinal Diseases: This sub specialty involves both the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal disease. The types of diseases treated include manifestations of local, systemic and genetic diseases as they affect the retina and vitreous. Diagnosis involves the use and interpretation of ultrasound, fluorescent angiography and electrophysiology. Treatment methods include laser therapy, cryotherapy, retinal detachment surgery and vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous).

Ophthalmic services offered by Medical Tours Costa Rica:

When you travel to Costa Rica for eye care, you will be under the expert care of Doctor Franklin Rechnitzer, who specializes on opthalmic surgery. Doctor Rechnitzer has been a standing member of the ASCRS or American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery since 2004. He is also board certified, having been issued license number 5417.

He is a specialist in Lasik surgery, ophthalmic ultrasound procedures, Verisize, and Conductive Keratoplasty, among others. Doctor Rechnitzer is the first surgeon to have performed a corneal ring implant for keratoconus treatment in Costa Rica.

Whether it’s you or your family that needs opthalmology, we have the right solution at the right price.

Starting the process:

If you would like to begin the process, all you have to do is call 1-866-665-6433, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM US Central Standard Time and speak live to a health travel consultant. You can also fill out the contact form conveniently located on the right hand side of this page and request more information or a free quote