The physiology, anatomy, and disorders, conditions diseases affecting the eye are studied under a branch of medicine called ophthalmology. Practitioners in this field of study are referred to as ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists are specialists of both surgery and medicine because they can treat diseases as well perform surgical operations on the eyes. When one is in need of well experienced yet affordable ophthalmologist San Antonio should be the first place to visit. There are many specialists in this area worth consulting.

The term ophthalmology originates from the Greek language. When the two Greek words that make up the term are translated into English, they literally mean the science of the eye. The discipline is not confined to human eye alone, but applies to animal eyes in a similar fashion. The reason for this lack of difference is that the differences between human and animal eyes are anatomical, but disease processes remain the same.

Ophthalmologists refer to medical specialists who specialize in eyes. They may hold either a medical degree, MD or an osteopathic degree DO. Their specialty involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all diseases which affect eyes and visual systems. The first step in education starts with completing an undergraduate degree first. The undergraduate degree may be related to medicine or not.

After college education, one goes into medical school for another four years. After graduation from the medical school, a year is spent on internship in various departments including pediatrics, surgery, general medicine, or internal medicine. Finally comes hospital-based residency that takes between three and four years. Ophthalmologists are more trained in eye and vision problems than optometrists and opticians. They can handle more problems and are trained differently.

Ophthalmologists deal with all kinds of people. The ages of the patients ranges from zero years and never has an end. Their main responsibility is to diagnose and treat all forms of diseases affecting eyes and vision. Performing surgeries is part of the job. Vision problems are corrected by prescription and fitting of contact lenses and eye glasses.

It is also the duty of ophthalmologists to handle all legal documentation to certify that an individual is blind or partially sighted. In the course of their job, they collaborate with other professionals in the field of medicine and outside the field on matters relating to a patient. They communicate to family members about the situation of a patient and offer directions. Most of them perform surgery during daytime and never stay overnight.

Ophthalmologists also research to find what causes certain diseases and how they can be cured. Some specialists in this field also train in both ophthalmology and general medicine. Their numbers is small, and they deal more with general medical problems and eye problems to a lesser extent. In general, ophthalmologists work in laser eye surgery clinics, outpatient clinics, hospital eye casualty departments, outpatient clinics, and operating theatres among other related places.

Like other branches of medicine, several sub-specialties exist under ophthalmology too. Sub-specialties exist based on the kind of disease they deal with or the kind of disease that affects a certain part of the eye. Major sub-specialties include ocular oncology, immunology, medical retina, oculplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, cataracts, eveitis, and anterior segment surgery.