This is my first patient education video. I uploaded this last evening to YouTube. It is one of the best I've seen for a super niche like eye surgery. Vitrectomy Surgery As I state in the video, vitrectomy surgery is performed by retina specialists. I completed extra training to specialize and to perform retinal surgery. A vitrectomy is the core operation for many of the surgical … [Read more...]
Anesthesia For Eye Surgery
August 18, 2010 By 2 Comments
Retina surgery is painless, you remain awake and is performed on an outpatient basis. Advances in technology have decreased the length of surgery making outpatient eye surgery possible. There are two basic methods of anesthesia; awake (aka local) and asleep (aka general). Local Anesthesia with Sedation Most of my operations, either vitrectomy or scleral buckle, are all completed in less … [Read more...]
Eye Patches After Surgery
May 17, 2010 By 1 Comment
Patching the eye after surgery is a matter of routine. The eye patch is usually worn only overnight and then removed for the rest of the post-operative period. It can offer protection, reduce discomfort, but really has no "healing" attributes. The Lid Should be Closed Against the Eye A properly placed eye patch, for any reason, should be a "pressure patch," meaning that the taped patch … [Read more...]
Eye Drops to Help You Heal
May 11, 2010 By 2 Comments
After eye surgery, there are several eye drops to help you recuperate, and heal, quickly. These eye drops usually include an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and sometimes, an eye drop to keep you dilated for comfort. There are many types of eye surgery; cataract, glaucoma, corneal, retina, etc. In general, the post-operative medications/drops that we use are about the same. … [Read more...]
Retina Surgery is “Same Day” Surgery
April 26, 2010 By 2 Comments
Retinal eye surgery, either vitrectomy or scleral buckle, is usually performed while the patient is awake and as an outpatient, allowing you to go home the "same day." Usually, there is absolutely no pain with retina surgery and recovery takes place in the comfort of your own home. In most cases, operations are performed under "local sedation." This term varies, but at our surgical center … [Read more...]
Gas Injection for Retinal Detachments
April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Injecting gas into the eye, called pneumatic retinopexy, is the fourth way to fix retinal detachments. Other methods include Scleral Buckle Vitrectomy Eye Surgery Combination of Scleral Buckle and Vitrectomy Gas Injection This procedure is performed in the office. Similar to other intraocular injections, except gas is introduced into the eye instead of anti-VEGF medications or … [Read more...]
Vitrectomy Surgery for Retinal Detachments
April 16, 2010 By 11 Comments
Vitrectomy eye surgery for repair of a retinal detachment can be an alternative or adjunct to scleral buckle. Vitrectomy surgery involves the removal of the vitreous from the eye. This procedure was introduced (i.e. invented) in the mid-1970's and enhanced our ability to treat retinal detachments. Retinal Tears Cause Retinal Detachments Remember that the culprit in "rhegmatogenous" retinal … [Read more...]
Scleral Buckle Surgery for Retinal Detachment
April 14, 2010 By 164 Comments
A scleral buckle is one of several ways to "fix" a retinal detachment. Other ways include vitrectomy eye surgery as well as a combination of scleral buckle and vitrectomy. An office procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy, is sometimes used as well. Scleral Buckles are "Oldies But Goodies" The scleral buckle has been employed for about 75 years. The principle behind a scleral buckle is to … [Read more...]
Mom Should Have Washed Your Eye With Soap!
March 9, 2010 By 4 Comments
Your eye is as dirty as your mouth. The bacteria found on the eyeball and in the nose and mouth are very similar. The three areas are all connected anatomically and bacteria are free to roam to and fro. While each organ does have its own particular defense system to fight infection, the eye, by no means is "clean." It's Why Your Nose Runs When You Cry When you cry, you need to blow your … [Read more...]
Perfect Surgical Outcomes Erode Relationships
March 2, 2010 By 2 Comments
Surgical outcomes are never guaranteed, there are risks to surgery. In fact, nothing in medicine is guaranteed. One role of doctors is to educate about the benefits and potential risks of a treatment. On the other hand, if an operation, were successful every time, would we need doctors? Starting Your Car is Guaranteed Each time you turn the ignition, your car starts. It is just about … [Read more...]
