The Fascinating Science of Ophthalmology

From the moment we can talk, we ask powerful and complex questions. Why is the sky blue? Where did we come from? What will happen in the future? In an endeavour to answer these intriguing questions, humans have developed a passion for study, for knowledge, for understanding. Various fields of study have thus arisen, from the study of the skies above us to the study of the ground beneath us, all of these fields pursuing answers and solutions to common questions and problems. There are literally hundreds of academic fields, of which hundreds reside in the realms of biology.

What is the vessel that allows us to undertake such thoughtful ponderance, that results in us asking so many questions? Our eyes, the windows to our souls, the organs that allow us to make sense of the visual world around us. The study of eyes goes back centuries, and today there are various specialities within medicine that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. One such speciality is that of ophthalmology. In this article, we will learn more about this fascinating science, understand the intricacies of the speciality as well as the equipment that a laboratory or practise within the field would need to invest in.

The History of Ophthalmology

From the beginning of time, humans have pursued a study of biology and medicine, endeavouring to know more about the ailments that afflict us and the remedies in which to cure them. Ophthalmology is no different, as it is a well-documented practise that can be traced back to eye care references of the Babylonians in 2250 BC. Even as early as 1550 BC, the Eber Papyrus from ancient Egypt as a section devoted to diseases of the eye. During the ancient and Greek period, figures like Alcamaeon, Aristotle, Rufus of Ephesus, Celus and Galen provided increasing insight into the understanding of the eye, often incorporated with mistaken understandings and views. The first cataract surgeon is said to have been an Ancient Indian surgeon of approximately the sixth century, and even Medieval Islamic writers wrote extensive research about what they understood about the eye.

In the modern period, with the advancement of technology and medical techniques, understanding continued to grow and improve. In the seventeenth and eighteenth century, hand lenses were used for fixing the eye in order tostudy it, and Francois Pourfour du Petit is famed as being a surgeon who conducted many careful studies of the eye by freezing it. While mistaken ideas persisted, further investigation improved and clarified things to the point that the first ophthalmic surgeon was appointed in the United Kingdom in 1727. Now, the field of ophthalmology is a well recognised one, requiring significant training and certification in the speciality even after completing a medical degree. Evidently, the field has developed extensively through the years, to the point where amazing things can be done and wonderful results achieved for ones who suffer with eye diseases and defects.

The Equipment of an Ophthalmology Lab or Practise

Clearly technology has played a major role in the development of the ophthalmology field, aiding understanding and improving techniques and procedures. There are various pieces of ophthalmology medical equipment that a lab or practise would need to invest in, so here are just a few to consider:

1. Automated Perimeter Systems. The whole areas that a person can see when they look at one point is called their visual field. To test this field, you can use an automated perimetry system to conduct it. This will help an expert to detect, diagnose and monitor different conditions and disorders in relation to retinal issues, the optic nerve, or the brain. The perimeter device projects stimuli in different locations through the visual field and then the sensitivity to these stimuli is then measured and recorded. With this data, a reliable diagnosis can be reached.
2. Corneal Topographers. Images of the cornea are vital in the field of ophthalmology and corneal topography is the way to do it. Using this non-invasive, computer-assisted technique, the surface of the cornea can be mapped out to create a 3D map. This will allow professionals to notice any irregularities of the surface of the eye which otherwise would be undetectable.
3. If anyone has visited an optician's practise, they no doubt can recognise the device of a phoropter, also referred as a refractor. This device, although looking like a head piece from a science fiction film, is a valuable testing device used to determine the strength of lens prescription that a patient needs to be correct their vision.
4. Fundus Cameras.Being able to get images of the retina is also an important part of understanding the ocular health of a patients, so using a fundus camera is often vital. With the correct equipment, it can make the difference in detecting issues early on in order to deal with them before they escalate into more serious problems.
5. OCT Systems. Optical coherence tomography is a non-invasive technique that produced high resolution images of the macula, cornea, and optic nerve. In some ways the system is similar to an ultrasound system, but instead of sound waves, light waves are used.
6. Slit Lamps.Slit lamps provide the illumination needed to performed detail eye examinations, looking clearly into a patient's eyes in order to detect and diagnoses different issues. With a specialised microscope and high-intensity light sources, slit lamps examine both anterior and posterior segments.

To Lease or Not to Lease

It's clear to see that there is a great deal of equipment needed for a fully comprehensive and equipped ophthalmology lab or practise. Purchasing all of this equipment would add up to quite a substantial bill, so for many professionals the best option is to lease the equipment. There are considerable perks to be had by leasing equipment, besides the financial side!