Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology Department covers many conditions affecting the eye. Physicians specialized in this field are known as ophthalmologists.

Eye diseases can range widely from congenital problems to age-related changes, infections to trauma. Common diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and keratoconus are serious conditions that can lead to vision loss.

The eye doctor checks patients' vision ability. They measure eye pressure. They examine the front and back parts of the eye. For this, they perform various examinations and tests.

Eye diseases encompass various disorders that affect vision and can reduce quality of life. These diseases may impact every part of the eye. Areas such as the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve can be affected by these conditions. It is very important to consult an eye hospital if you have any eye disease to protect your eye health.

Regular eye examinations provide great benefits for eye health.

Common eye diseases:

Refractive Errors:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.

• Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): Distant objects are usually clear, but near objects appear blurry.

• Astigmatism: Due to irregular shape of the cornea or lens, both near and distant objects appear blurry or distorted.

• Presbyopia (Age-related Difficulty Seeing Near Objects): The eye’s ability to focus on near objects decreases with age.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Anterior Segment Diseases:

• Cataract: Clouding of the eye’s lens causing blurry vision.

• Glaucoma (Increased Eye Pressure): Increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea.

• Keratoconus: Cone-shaped thinning of the cornea.

• Corneal Ulcer: Open sores on the cornea’s surface.

• Dry Eye Disease: Insufficient or poor quality tear production.

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva.

• Pterygium: Flesh-like growth from the white part of the eye toward the cornea.

• Iris and Pupil Diseases: Inflammatory conditions like iritis, uveitis, or pupil abnormalities.

Posterior Segment (Retina and Optic Nerve) Diseases:

• Macular Degeneration: A retinal disease causing central vision loss, especially in elderly individuals.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Vision problems caused by damage to retinal blood vessels due to diabetes.

• Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from its supporting tissue beneath; a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa: A genetic disease causing gradual loss of peripheral and night vision.

• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause vision loss.

• Glaucoma (Posterior Segment Effects): Damage to the optic nerve leading to vision loss (also classified under anterior segment).

Eyelid and Tear Duct Diseases:

• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid edges.

• Stye and Chalazion: Swellings caused by infection or blockage of oil glands in the eyelids.

• Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid): The upper eyelid is lower than normal.

• Dacryocystitis: Inflammation of the tear sac.

• Tear Duct Obstruction: Tear drainage blockage.

Strabismus and Eye Movement Disorders:

• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Eyes do not look at the same point.

• Nystagmus: Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements.

Other Eye Diseases and Conditions:

• Eye Allergies: Eye reactions to allergens like pollen, dust, animal fur.

• Eye Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors in or around the eye.

• Traumatic Eye Injuries: Physical damage to the eye.

• Color Blindness: Inability to distinguish colors normally.

A series of procedures and tests are applied for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. These tests help establish an accurate diagnosis by evaluating different structures and functions of the eye.

Commonly used procedures and tests in eye diseases:

• Visual Acuity Measurement

• Refraction Measurement

• Biomicroscopic Examination (Slit Lamp Examination)

• Intraocular Pressure Measurement

• Fundus Examination

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

• Visual Field Test

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)

• Specular Microscopy

• Ocular Ultrasonography

• Amsler Grid Test

• Color Blindness Test

• Allergy Tests

An eye doctor, also known as an ophthalmologist, diagnoses eye and vision-related health problems. They also treat and prevent these issues.

An eye doctor performs eye examinations. During these exams, they measure visual acuity and detect eye diseases. These diseases include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Retinal diseases, dry eye, allergies, and infections are also included. The doctor determines appropriate treatment methods.

These treatments may include medication, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, laser treatments, or surgical interventions.

The protection of eye health and early detection of possible diseases make accurate diagnosis vital. The diagnosis of eye diseases is a comprehensive process performed by a specialist ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

It ranges from taking the patient's medical history to advanced technological examination methods. The fundamental steps and methods used in the diagnosis of eye diseases are as follows:

During this stage, which forms the basis of every eye examination, various tests are performed:

• Visual Acuity Measurement: The patient’s ability to read letters or shapes from different distances is evaluated using standard charts, including the Snellen chart. This indicates how clearly the eye sees.

• Measurement of Refractive Errors: Devices such as an autorefractor or manual methods are used. These methods detect refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These measurements are essential for determining eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.

• Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): The eye pressure is measured in patients at risk of glaucoma. Non-contact (air puff) or contact methods such as Goldmann applanation tonometry are used.

• Biomicroscopic Examination (Slit Lamp Examination): The front part of the eye is examined using a special microscope with a slit-lamp light source. Eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and lens are observed in detail.

Advanced Imaging and Functional Tests:

When necessary, additional tests are performed for more information. These tests include advanced technological imaging and functional assessments to clarify diagnosis.

• Fundus Examination (Fundoscopy): Using an ophthalmoscope, the retina, optic nerve, and retinal blood vessels are directly observed. This examination is important for detecting retinal diseases and glaucoma, and it also shows effects of some systemic diseases on the eye.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Displays layers of the retina, optic nerve, and cornea. OCT provides micron-level detailed cross-sectional images revealing the structure and possible abnormalities of eye tissues.

• Visual Field Test (Perimetry): Maps both central and peripheral vision in detail. It is a critical tool for detecting vision loss from glaucoma and retinal or neurological problems.

• Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein to image retinal blood vessels. It is especially important in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, and for determining treatment strategies.

• Specular Microscopy: Provides high magnification to evaluate endothelial cell density, shape, and health—important for contact lens users and patients with corneal disorders.

• Ocular Ultrasonography: Used to examine structures behind the lens, especially in cataract cases, and helps detect intraocular tumors or retinal detachment.

• Corneal Topography: Creates a detailed map of the cornea; critical for diagnosing corneal shape disorders like keratoconus and fitting specialized contact lenses.

• Electroretinography (ERG): Measures the electrical responses of photoreceptor cells in the retina to light, assessing retinal function. It is important in diagnosing and monitoring genetic retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

• Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP): Records electrical activity in the visual pathways from the eye to the brain, assessing visual function. It aids in diagnosing optic nerve inflammation and neurological conditions affecting vision.

Allergy and Other Specific Tests:

If eye allergy is suspected, allergy tests can be performed. Blood tests or other laboratory exams may be required to evaluate the ocular effects of systemic diseases.

Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial in preventing or slowing vision loss in many eye diseases.

Our hospital in Ankara offers comprehensive eye examination and diagnostic services with experienced specialists and modern equipment.