Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the study of the eyes and the diagnosis, treatment and disorders that affect them. A doctor who specialises in this field is called a Consultant Ophthalmologist. As well as having detailed knowledge of the structure, function and diseases of the eyes, the Ophthalmologist also deals with the range of non-ocular diseases that affect the eyes.

Cataract surgery

A cataract is clouding of the natural lens in your eye usually caused by ageing. A cataract causes blurred vision or changes the focus of your eye.

Glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy)

The optic nerve carries images from the retina (light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) to the brain, allowing you to see. Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve where it leaves the eye. It affects one in 50 people over the age of 40 and can cause loss of vision.

Retinal detachment surgery

The retina is the inner layer at the back of the eye that changes light coming into the eye into images that are sent to the brain. Sometimes the retina can peel off (detach) causing your vision to be blurred or a shadow to develop in your vision. Most retinal detachments are caused by the jelly, that fills the centre of the eye, shrinking and pulling on the retina. A retinal detachment can also be caused by an injury or previous eye surgery.

Corneal transplant surgery

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer at the front of your eye, through which light passes through. Sometimes the cornea can become diseased, affecting your vision. This may be because:

The surface of the cornea has become cone-shaped, causing blurred vision.
The cornea has stopped working properly and has become swollen and cloudy. This may happen after cataract surgery or fuchs endothelial dystrophy (an ageing process)
You have a severe infection that has caused inflammation.