Ophthalmology
At Újbuda Medical Center, our ophthalmology department offers comprehensive eye exams and expert care provided by highly qualified specialists. The goal of our eye examinations is to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases early, helping to prevent more serious complications.
When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?
It is not only necessary to visit an ophthalmologist when you experience vision loss or eye pain, but also when you notice symptoms that may seem minor but could indicate a serious eye condition. Early detection and treatment of eye problems are crucial for preventing complications and further vision deterioration. You should consult an ophthalmologist if you experience the following symptoms:
Vision Loss
If you notice that you "can't see well," the following issues may be behind it:
- Refractive Errors: Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (distorted vision), which can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Accommodation Disorders: Issues such as presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) or accommodation paralysis, which make it difficult to focus on nearby objects.
- Eye Diseases: Conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, or retinal diseases, which cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Double Vision: This may result from nerve or muscle disorders affecting eye movement.
Red or Inflamed Eyes
Red or inflamed eyes often indicate infection or inflammation, and potential causes include:
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.
- Foreign Object in the Eye: Caused by debris such as an eyelash or injury to the eye.
- Minor Bleeding under the Conjunctiva: This can occur due to high blood pressure or injury.
- Corneal or Iris Inflammation: Inflammation affecting deeper layers of the eye.
- Acute Glaucoma Attack: A sudden increase in eye pressure that can cause permanent vision loss within hours.
Changes in the Eye's Appearance
Significant changes in the appearance of the eyes may indicate a serious condition, such as:
- Tumors or Drooping Eyelids: Abnormalities in or around the eyelid area.
- Change in Eye Color or Pupil Size: Any alterations in the eye's pigment or differences in pupil size.
- New Symptoms: Such as pain, tearing, light sensitivity, or dryness.
Other Symptoms
- Visual Field Loss: Loss of peripheral vision or blind spots.
- Swelling Around the Eyes: Caused by inflammation, allergies, or blockage.
- Persistent Dry Eyes: Symptoms like itching, burning, or tearing.
- Floaters and Light Flashes: Signs of retinal disease or vitreous detachment.
At Újbuda Medical Center, our ophthalmologists utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods to identify problems quickly and efficiently so that you receive the care you need as soon as possible.
Common Eye Diseases
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors cause decreased visual acuity and are generally corrected with glasses or contact lenses:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): The eye's axis is longer than normal, making nearby objects appear clear while distant objects appear blurry.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): The eyeball is smaller than average, causing distant objects to be seen clearly but nearby objects to be blurry.
- Astigmatism: An irregular curvature of the cornea or lens that results in distorted or blurry vision.
Accommodation Disorders
- Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness): Difficulty focusing on close objects, common as people age.
- Accommodation Paralysis: The complete loss of the ability to focus, often due to systemic diseases or medication side effects.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision and eventual vision loss. Cataracts are most commonly related to aging but can also be caused by injury, disease, or certain medications.
Glaucoma (Green Star Disease)
Glaucoma is caused by increased fluid pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve over time. It can lead to significant vision loss or blindness. The main types of glaucoma include:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: A slow-progressing condition where the eye pressure gradually increases.
- Closed-Angle Glaucoma: A sudden increase in pressure that causes rapid vision loss and severe eye pain.
Eye Inflammations
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to bacteria, viruses, or allergies.
- Corneal Inflammations: Infections or injuries to the cornea causing light sensitivity and blurry vision.
Retinal Diseases
- Macular Degeneration: The degeneration of the macula, which is responsible for sharp central vision, most commonly affecting older individuals.
- Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the layers beneath it, which can lead to sudden vision loss.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when the tear glands fail to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This condition can cause symptoms like burning, itching, or blurry vision.
Diabetic and Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes, leading to blurry vision and potential vision loss.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy: Changes in the retinal blood vessels due to high blood pressure.
What Examinations Does an Ophthalmologist Perform?
At Újbuda Medical Center, our ophthalmologists offer a wide range of diagnostic methods to cater to the needs of our patients. Below is an overview of the types of examinations and treatments you can expect at our clinic.
General Adult Ophthalmology Examination
A comprehensive eye examination for adults includes the following:
Vision Acuity Test
We measure both near and distant vision using the Kettesy chart or Csapody chart.
Slit-Lamp Microscopy Examination
A detailed examination of the anterior segment of the eye, from the cornea to the lens.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)
A test to measure intraocular pressure, essential for glaucoma screening.
Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy)
A detailed examination of the back of the eye (retina, macula, optic nerve) with or without pupil dilation.
Visual Field Test
A test to detect peripheral vision loss.
Diagnosis of Eye Problems
During a general ophthalmic examination, the following conditions can be diagnosed and treated:
- Vision Loss: Including refractive errors, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal diseases.
- Eye Pain: Caused by infections, inflammations, or other ocular conditions.
- Cataracts: The partial or complete clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision.
- Glaucoma: Detected through intraocular pressure measurement, visual field tests, and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).
- Eye Inflammations: Such as conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, or eyelid inflammation.
- Dry Eyes: Caused by tear film insufficiency or excessive evaporation.
- Retinal Diseases: Including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.
Glaucoma (Green Star) Screening and Treatment
Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are crucial to prevent vision loss. Our ophthalmologists perform the following tests:
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): To measure eye pressure.
- Visual Field Test: To detect peripheral vision loss.
- OCT Examination: A detailed analysis of the optic nerve.
Eye Conditions Related to Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Early detection and treatment of eye conditions caused by diabetes and high blood pressure are key to preventing vision loss:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Retinal changes caused by blood vessel damage due to diabetes.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy: Small vessel changes in the retina due to high blood pressure.
Diagnostic Methods
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy): To assess the condition of the retina.
- OCT Examination: A detailed analysis of the retinal layers.
Treatment of Eye Inflammations
For various anterior segment inflammations (such as conjunctivitis or corneal inflammation), we provide the following diagnostic and treatment methods:
- Slit-Lamp Microscopy Examination: To identify the cause and location of the inflammation.
- Bacteriological Tests: To determine the cause of the infection.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: Including eye drops or medication.
Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment
To ensure the appropriate treatment for dry eyes, we conduct thorough diagnostic tests:
- Tear Quantity Measurement (Schirmer Test): To assess the function of the tear glands.
- Tear Film Quality Test (BUT Test): To measure the stability of the tear film.
Treatment Methods:
- Artificial Tears: To supplement the tear film.
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory or hormone-replacement therapy.
Macular Degeneration Screening
For the screening and treatment of macular degeneration, we use the following diagnostic methods:
- Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy): To assess the condition of the retina.
- OCT Examination: For detailed analysis of the macular layers.
Eye Disease Diagnosis
At Újbuda Medical Center, in addition to ophthalmic examinations, we offer advanced imaging diagnostics:
- MRI Examination: To detect brain or ocular conditions such as tumors, nerve-related diseases, or vascular abnormalities. Orbital MRI is particularly useful for detailed examination of the eye socket and pituitary gland.
- CT Scan: To assess the condition of the bony structures, nerves, or vessels around the eyes. Orbital CT allows for the detection of fractures or tumors in the eye socket's bony structure.
Eye Examination for Driver’s License
An ophthalmic examination is required to obtain or renew a driver’s license, ensuring the applicant meets the required standards for visual acuity, color vision, and overall suitability for safe driving.
The Following Factors Are Tested:
- Visual Acuity Test: To check near and distant vision using the Kettesy and Csapody charts.
- Color Vision Test: To rule out color blindness using the Ishihara test or other color vision tests.
- Visual Field Test: To assess peripheral vision and detect any visual field defects.
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): To screen for glaucoma.
- Twilight Vision and Contrast Sensitivity: To evaluate vision in low light and contrast sensitivity.
- Double Vision and Other Vision Disorders: To rule out double vision, glare sensitivity, and other visual disturbances.
A Specialist's Opinion is Required in the Following Cases:
- Exceeding the Permitted Diopter: When the corrective lenses exceed the allowed diopter range.
- Practical Monocular Vision: Significant vision loss or complete lack of vision in one eye.
- Visual Field Constriction: Reduction in peripheral vision.
- Abnormal Light Adaptation: Difficulty adapting to light or abnormal light sensitivity.
Ophthalmology Screening Examination
The purpose of an ophthalmology screening is to assess the overall health of the eyes and detect early-stage eye diseases. Early diagnosis helps prevent severe vision impairment and allows for more effective treatment. At Újbuda Medical Center, our ophthalmologists provide high-quality screenings using modern diagnostic equipment.
Importance of an Ophthalmology Screening
- Early Diagnosis: Early detection of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
- Identification of Vision Problems: Detecting reduced vision acuity and refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
- Retina and Optic Nerve Diseases: Early detection and treatment of diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve.
Who Should Get an Ophthalmology Screening?
- Adults: It is recommended that all adults undergo regular eye screenings, especially those over the age of 40.
- Diabetics and Those with High Blood Pressure: To rule out diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy.
- Family History of Hereditary Eye Diseases: If hereditary eye diseases are present in the family.
- Long-Term Medication Users: Certain medications can cause long-term eye problems.
- Asymptomatic Adults: Regular screenings are also recommended for asymptomatic adults, as some eye diseases (glaucoma, macular degeneration) become more likely with age.
Ophthalmology in Budapest
Our experienced ophthalmologists provide high-quality, personalized care for all age groups. Our services include a wide range of diagnostic tests, treatment of various eye conditions, and vision correction surgeries.
Don’t let vision problems affect your quality of life! Visit us, and our experienced ophthalmologists will help you with modern diagnostic tests and treatments. Book an appointment online or call us at +36 1 550 7 550.
