woman getting eye measurements on a slit lamp microscope

Ophthalmology

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can provide all aspects of eye and vision care to maintain your ocular health.

Ophthalmologists are specially trained to diagnose, manage, and perform treatment, including surgery, for ocular diseases such as cataracts.

When would I need to see an ophthalmologist?

woman getting eye measurements on a slit lamp microscope

Ophthalmologists Can:

Perform Surgeries

While an optometrist can help you manage certain conditions with conservative methods such as contacts and glasses, an ophthalmologist can also perform surgeries. They have undergone four to five years of extensive training to acquire the skills to perform eye surgeries with outstanding results.

Diagnose & Treat Complex Conditions

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists can diagnose eye conditions. However, there are some disorders, especially those related to other diseases, that require specialized treatment. Ophthalmologists can also prescribe medication.

Provide Comprehensive Eye Care Services

Whether you eyes are generally healthy or you suffer from a serious condition, an ophthalmologist can perform every step of the process. From a routine eye exam to LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist can provide you with consistent vision care in one convenient location.

Your vision is fundamental to completing everyday activities. Ophthalmologic treatments are designed to preserve your eyesight through conservative methods whenever possible, or surgical intervention when it becomes necessary.

Many eye conditions are progressive and may not display noticeable symptoms until they have become serious. For this reason, it is important to attend regularly scheduled eye exams.

Correct Blurry Vision So You Can Live More Fully

LASIK illustrationLASIK illustration
The LASIK Procedure

State-of-the-Art Tools Help Provide Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment

Accuracy and precision are essential to diagnosing and treating ocular conditions. As such, there are variety of tools and technology commonly used throughout treatment, including:

  • Corneal Topography
  • Excimer Lasers
  • Eye Charts
  • Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
  • Ophthalmoscope
  • Femtosecond Lasers
  • Phoropter
  • Refraction Systems
  • Retinal Cameras 
  • Retinoscope
  • Slit Lamp Biomicroscopes 
  • Tonometers
  • Ultrasound Probes

Your doctor may also use and prescribe medications as part of your treatment.

"Eye diseases are common and can go unnoticed for a long time—some have no symptoms at first. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is necessary to find eye diseases in the early stages when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective." Center for Disease Control

It is Not Necessary to See an Ophthalmologist for Routine Eye Exams

While ophthalmologists can provide comprehensive vision care, it is not necessary to see them for a routine eye exam or more basic treatments. Often, they even work in conjunction with an optometrist to provide these services.

In those cases, choosing which professional to visit is up to your personal preference. However, if you have suffered significant changes in vision or have a serious condition, an ophthalmologist will need to be involved in your treatment.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Care

Seeing an ophthalmologist for all of your eye care needs can consistently maintain your eye health. Schedule an eye exam today to ensure your vision is protected even if you have a complex disease or require surgical intervention.

Byron W. Biscoe, MD

Laser Vision Institute of the Virgin Islands

Byron W. Biscoe, MD, has been in practice since 1994. He is a member of a number of distinguished organizations:

  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

Contact us online to ask a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone at (340) 774-3003.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite