Okulistyka: Co to jest cylinder? Minisłownik branżowy

Ophthalmology: What is a cylinder? Industry mini dictionary

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that deals with issues related to the structure of the eyes. The task of ophthalmologists is to assess the activities performed by this part of the body, as well as to identify any irregularities in their operation and diseases, and then to select effective methods of treatment. Some historians believe that the first eye operations were carried out around 4.5 thousand. BC.However, factual evidence of similar activities does not appear until the Codex Hammurabi, which was written 1772 BC

But no matter when mankind undertook operations of this type, it is known that it was done in very distant times. This is one of the reasons why this branch of medicine is so well developed. In fact, it is difficult to find any other science of human health that is more developed by humans than ophthalmology. What is a cylinder and what tools do ophthalmologists use in their work? This is just one of the many questions that were answered in this article.

Ophthalmology: What is a cylinder?

Many people wonder about various issues related to what ophthalmology deals with . What is a topper ? What is astigmatism? What does an eye test look like at a doctor? These are just a few of the many questions that concern the community. Today we will try to provide an exhaustive answer to each of them.

Cylindrical lenses are a type of special lenses designed to correct a visual defect called astigmatism. Their design significantly differs from standard solutions that improve the short- and farsightedness defect. Cylindrical glasses correct a completely different type of defect, and their name comes from the shape that resembles a real cylinder (the shape of the lenses).

What is Astigmatism?

For many years, ophthalmology has been studying the eye defect, which is astigmatism. This problem is most often caused by the irregular shape of the eye’s cornea. The cornea is exactly the place where it is built where the light rays are refracted. Many experts believe that the eye has a circular shape for a healthy eye, but if the eye struggles with astigmatism, the cornea is much more oval. Consequently, light rays refract on it in a completely different way, because instead of one point of their intersection, there are two.

The difference in curvature may vary. It depends on how far apart the foci are. It is worth knowing that a sharp and clear image is created when light rays collect at one point. The situation becomes ideal if it takes place exactly on the retina of the eye. Unfortunately, for patients suffering from astigmatism, this is an impossible condition. In their situation, it is necessary to connect the focus that arises when light passes through the irregularly shaped retina. Ophthalmology has developed a method of correcting this defect, which involves the patient wearing cylindrical glasses.

The so-called cylinders on one section have absolutely no power, on the other their power is equal to that of the person’s astigmatism. The idea is to allow one point of light to shift to another. By taking into account the axis where this shift occurs, the patient is able to regain sharp vision.

Interestingly, many people around the world suffer from astigmatism. Ophthalmology makes every effort to investigate this defect in the best possible way and be able to offer patients more and more innovative solutions to their problem. However, all activities must begin with an appointment with an ophthalmologist, where a thorough eye examination can be performed.

How is the eye examination performed?

As mentioned earlier, ophthalmology is one of the most advanced sciences when it comes to medicine. The eye examination is very simple and does not cause any pain in the patient.

During the visit to the doctor, the patient is asked about his general health, chronic diseases, recent surgeries and medications he is currently taking. Important information is also the one regarding eye diseases that have so far been present in the family. Then the ophthalmologist starts an eye test using specialized glasses.

Ophthalmology Szczecin historically, or a few words about modern medicine

Georg Bartisch is a pioneer of eye surgery in modern medicine. The doctor came from Germany and at the end of the 16th century he completely removed the eyeball due to the diagnosed cancer in the patient. At the beginning of the 18th century, there was another breakthrough in  ophthalmology . Namely, Michael Brisseau discovered that the cause of cataracts is the formation of cloudiness on the lens of the eye. It is thanks to these people that today we can enjoy such a highly developed science.

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