What Is Ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a field of medicine that involves the diagnosis and treatment of eye issues. The specialty helps patients with everything from prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses to surgical interventions for conditions like retinal tears and strabismus. As with other branches of medicine, some ophthalmologists choose to specialize in the care of pediatric patients, and others treat only adults. Currently, experts recommend that individuals have an eye exam at least once during their 20s, and two exams are recommended between the ages of thirty and thirty-nine.