Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of eye related diseases. The brain is the only organ in our bodies more complex than the eye and there are over one million nerves connecting each eye to the brain. A good history is of paramount importance, and it is critical to take a careful account of a patient’s eye symptoms. Additionally, it can help you to understand the impact of the condition on the individual and identify any obstacles to treatment. Visual abilities may deteriorate with age and fall into the categories of decreased distance vision and reduced near sight vision. In the acute setting we may see more along the lines of patients with red, sore, painful eyes, or other specific eye symptoms such as double vision, eyelid swelling, excessive lacrimation or increased sensitivity to light amongst others. Interestingly there are no pain receptors inside the eye itself, so an individual may have a serious condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration and not be aware of this until permanent eye damage has occurred.