Ophthalmology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ophthalmology, including details on eye surgery, myopia, cataracts.

The otolaryngologist-ophthalmologist relationship: an historic perspective.

Thawley SE

Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8115, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. thawlelys@wustl.edu

Otolaryngology and ophthalmology have a long and congenial professional relationship in the development of their mutual specialties over many years. In the early years they were one professional society, but later split into their separate specialties. Some problems involve both specialties because of the shared common anatomic areas. These problems include: orbital complications of sinusitis, management of exopthalmus, silent sinus syndrome, lacrimal apparatus problems, tumor and trauma problems, optic nerve decompression, and complications of endoscopic sinus surgery. Both specialties have their own expertise to contribute to these common problems. In many cases it is in the best interest of the patient if both specialties consult and contribute their knowledge, experience, and techniques in these cases. Otolaryngologists and opthalmologists continue their long and mutually respected professional relationship.

Published 19 September 2006 in Otolaryngol Clin North Am, 39(5): 845-53, v.
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