Most disorders of the front of the eye (the anterior segment) are treated by general eye doctors (optometrists and ophthalmologists), cornea specialists, and glaucoma specialists. Occasionally, these diseases intersect with problems in the back of the eye (the posterior segment) where retina specialists focus their care. In surgical cases where complications related to cataract surgery, trauma, or inherited eye conditions have occurred, an integrated approach to treating the entire eye is needed.
The components of the human eye are very similar to those of a modern camera. In the front of the eye, the cornea and lens focuses light entering the eye onto the retina much like the lens on a camera focuses light on the film or digital sensor to create an image. The aperture of a camera controls how much light enters the camera in the same way the iris controls the size of the pupil. Disruption, disease, or damage to any of these critical elements can result in a blurred image or vision.
Typically, retina surgeons limit their care to the back of the eye (the posterior segment) while general eye doctors (optometrists and ophthalmologists), cornea specialists, and glaucoma specialists focus on the front of the eye (the anterior segment). In some circumstances, a complete and integrated approach is needed to treat issues present in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
