Retinal Surgical Procedures

By Author: Retinasurgeon
Total Articles: 36
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A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a number of retinal problems. This is the most common surgical procedure performed by retina specialists. Vitrectomies are used for retinal detachments, macular puckers, macular holes, vitreous haemorrhage and endophthalmitis. A vitrectomy is performed in an operating room. It is done under local anaesthetic, which enables the patient to go home for a full recovery. There is little to no discomfort after the surgery.

Intravitreal injections are procedures where medication is injected into the vitreous gel, the chamber at the back of the eye. This is an office procedure, which is carried out by a retina specialist. There are numerous medications which can be injected into the eye to treat retinal problems, including diabetic macular edema, retinal vein occlusion, cystoid macular edema, central retinal vein occlusion, wet age related macular degeneration and endophthalmitis. It is performed in the office of the retina surgeon with light pressure flat during the procedure. There are some risks associated with this procedure, including retina detachment, bleeding and infection.

Lasers ...
... are being used more in eye care and treatments and laser application can also be used on the retina to treat disorders. The laser cauterises the tissue where it shines. Most laser procedures are carried out in the retina surgeons office with a topical anaesthetic. The laser can be used for retinal tears, wet age related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and much more. When this procedure is carried out a lens is placed on the eye to help with laser focus. This treatment is carried out in one or a number of sessions.

Scleral buckle is a traditional method for the repair of retinal detachment and is not used as much any more with vitreoretinal surgery still being the leading choice with retinal surgeons. The buckle is a silicone band, which is secured to the eye and presses the wall of the eye towards the centre, this brings the wall of the eye closer to the retina. This sis combined with cryotherapy or laser treatment, helping the retina reattach itself. In some cases a retinal surgeon may use scleral buckling with vitrectomy, the buckle then remains in the eye unless a problem developers. Buckles are very seldom removed unless they become exposed or infected.

Pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure which is sometimes used to repair retinal detachments where a special gas is placed in the eye. The gas helps push the sides of a tear together, preventing fluid from getting under the retina. It also helps to push the retina back into place. When this is done then the tar can be sealed using cryotherapy or laser. If the retina doesn't reattach, then a vitrectomy may be recommended.

If you have had or are due to have a retinal surgery, then the first thing that will happen after the surgery is the retinal surgeon puts antibiotic eye drops in your eye, which reduces the risk of infection. These drops are often continued at home. You may have to wear a patch over the eye for a day. It's not uncommon to have some sensitivity and your vision may appear blurred for a few days. Swelling, redness and tenderness are also common for a few days to a few weeks.

If the surgeon has used a gas bubble to push your retina into place during surgery, you may be told to sit with your head in a set position for an extended period, which can be a few days to weeks. You will be given instructions regarding this and need to give yourself two to four weeks to fully recover and return to normal activities.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit http://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com