Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in vision and eye care. They differ from opticians and optometrists in having several years more education, training and internships. As physicians with at least eight years of medical training, ophthalmologists are licensed to practice both surgery and medicine.
In addition to diagnosing and treating all eye diseases, ophthalmologists can also perform many kinds of eye surgeries, prescribe glasses and contact lenses and make research or academic contributions regarding causes and treatments for eye diseases.
To receive comprehensive ophthalmology Roseburg residents know they can rely on Dr. Andrea Gray for everything from treating common eye infections to performing functional eye surgery.
Ophthalmologists Specialize in Diagnosing and Treating Specific Eye Diseases
Just like family physicians can specialize in diagnosing and treating heart, lung or other system disorders, ophthalmologists may also specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the retina, cornea and macula. Others may be highly knowledgeable in treating glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, presbyopia and other eye disorders.
While simple refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness can be adequately treated by an optometrist, you should see an ophthalmologist for treating the following signs and symptoms of these more serious eye/vision problems:
- Bulging of the eyes
- Distorted vision (seeing double, extreme blurriness, darkening of the vision field)
- Excessive tearing
- Eyelid abnormalities (sagging, drooping, discolorations)
- Seeing halos around lights (halos can be colored or white)
- Sudden loss of peripheral vision
- Increasing amounts of “floaters” (black spots appearing in your vision field that swarm and fade)
- Severe eye pain
- Unusually red eyes (could indicate bleeding in the eye)
If you have a family history of eye diseases, suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid conditions and have had prior eye surgeries, you should see an ophthalmologist for all your eye care needs.
Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Gray for comprehensive ophthalmology in Roseburg by calling 541-957-5400.
