Which medical specialist treats diseases of the eyes?

The specialist who treats diseases of the eyes is an ophthalmologist. This medical professional is specifically trained to provide a full spectrum of eye care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye diseases and conditions. Ophthalmologists have extensive education in both medicine and eye surgery, allowing them to perform complex procedures that the other specialists listed are not qualified to carry out.

In addition to treating diseases of the eyes, ophthalmologists can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses, conduct eye exams, and provide preventative care. This comprehensive training distinguishes their expertise from other specialists, such as optometrists, who primarily focus on vision correction and certain eye health aspects but do not perform surgeries, and otolaryngologists, who specialize in the ears, nose, and throat. Internists are doctors focusing on internal medicine and do not specialize in eye care, further clarifying the unique role of the ophthalmologist in managing eye health and disease.