Ophthalmology

San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, California

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that covers diseases and surgery related to the eyes. The medical professional who specializes in the treatment of these conditions is called an ophthalmologist. These doctors treat ordinary vision conditions such as refractive errors, and they also have the specialized training needed to help resolve more complex problems affecting your eyes.

Some of the services commonly performed by an ophthalmologist include:

• Treatment of cataracts
• Treatment of eye diseases
• Treatment of traumatic eye injuries
• Performing LASIK surgery and non-LASIK alternative procedures

Training

Ophthalmologists must complete medical school, followed by one year as an intern and then a three year residency in ophthalmology. During this residency, an ophthalmologist receives the specialized training required to treat complex conditions affecting the eye. Some ophthalmologists may also choose to continue their education beyond their residency in order to further hone their knowledge in an ophthalmologic subspecialty. These generally require an additional two years of training.

Ophthalmologic Subspecialties

The following areas of specialization enable your ophthalmologist to cater his treatment to a more specific region of the eye:

• External Eye Diseases and Cornea – This specialization focuses on the treatment of external eye diseases, including infections, tumors, and inflammations affecting the cornea. Ophthalmologists must receive training in corneal surgery, corneal transplants, and refractive corrections, such as LASIK, to earn this specialization.
• Glaucoma – Glaucoma is an eye disease affecting millions of Americans over the age of 50. If untreated, it can lead to blindness. Ophthalmologists specializing in this area will receive training on diseases afflicting the optic nerve.
• Pediatric Ophthalmology – This specialization focuses on eye conditions and issues associated with children. These may include genetic abnormalities, traumatic injuries, and common refractive vision disorders.
• Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery – Ophthalmologists trained in plastic surgery will have the skills required to perform reconstructive surgeries on or near the eye. These doctors commonly treat patients who have an injury or disease that results in a malformation of the eye.
• Vitreoretinal Diseases – This specialization focuses on diseases related to the retina and vitreous (internal eye fluid). These ophthalmologists are highly skilled in treatments such as laser therapy, vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous), cryotherapy, and retinal detachment surgery.

Experienced Ophthalmologic Care

San Francisco ophthalmologist Dr. Gary Kawesch has been treating patients in the Bay Area since 1992. He is the owner, medical director, and surgical ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley, where he has performed more than 40,000 refractive procedures during his career.

Dr. Kawesch is board certified in the area of ophthalmology and performs all laser eye surgery procedures for the Oakland Raiders and San Jose Sharks. Some of his patients include Carlos Santana, JaMarcus Russell, Tony Granato, and Russ Ortiz.

To learn more about the skills and background of Dr. Kawesch or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley serves patients in the San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose areas.

1.800.725.0740