- CryotherapyPneumatic retinopexy is an in-office procedure used to repair certain types of retinal detachments. The procedure begins with the physician applying anesthetic around the outside of the eye. Then typically cryotherapy (freezing treatment) is applied on the white part of the eye (sclera) over the area of retinal tear(s). Patients may experience light flashes and an “ice-cream headache” during this portion of the procedure. Next a gas bubble is injected into the back of the eye. The gas bubble acts to tamponade the retinal break that caused the detachment and allows the fluid beneath the retina to reabsorb. The gas bubble remains in the eye for 4-6 weeks. While the gas bubble is in the eye, the physician may have the patient position his/her head in a certain manner to maximize the chance of success. While the gas bubble is in the eye, the patient may not fly in an airplane or go to high elevations which can raise the pressure inside the eye. The patient is also prohibited from receiving nitric oxide gas anesthesia while the bubble is in the eye as this can also alter the pressure inside the eye.
- GlaucomaUncontrolled inflammation in the eye can cause significant problems including the potential for vision loss and blindness. Complications from uveitis include swelling of the retina (macular edema), low or high eye pressure (glaucoma), retinal detachment, and scar tissue formation. Treatment of uveitis is recommended to thwart these complications. Treatment may include topical steroid eyedrops, shots of steroids inside or around the eye, or systemic drugs that modulate the immune system.
- Ophthalmology
- Macular DegenerationPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used to treat certain retinal conditions, including central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), wet macular degeneration, and certain tumors in the back of the eye.
- CataractsPneumatic retinopexy is a safe procedure, but there are small risks of the procedure including bleeding, infection, cataract, retinal tears, high eye pressure, eye discomfort, and the need for a second procedure. The instillation of a gas bubble can accelerate the formation of a cataract and subsequent cataract extraction may be required for a patient to see at his/her best.
- Cataract SurgeryCataract surgery is the most common surgery performed in the United States, and the procedure is considered very safe. With any surgery, however, there are some risks associated with the procedure. Sometimes, it is difficult for the cataract surgeon to remove the cataract entirely. This can occur if there is a weakness in the lens capsule which holds the cataract. If remaining cataract pieces migrate to the back of the eye, a retinal surgeon may be asked to perform a second surgery, called a vitrectomy, in order to safely remove the pieces. Once the pieces are completely removed, the patient may enjoy visual rehabilitation over time.
- Eye ExamWhen a PVD begins, a patient typically notices a large “cobweb” or “string-like” or “blob” floater in their vision. The patient may also complain of light flashes or a curtain-like shade over their vision. Patients experiencing these symptoms should contact their eye provider, and a dilated eye examination should be performed soon thereafter.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic retinopathy occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2. Chronically high levels of blood glucose in diabetes can lead to detrimental changes to the blood vessels within the retina. The blood vessels may become leaky and cause swelling in the central retina called diabetic macular edema (DME). With DME, the central vision often becomes blurry. In addition, growth of abnormal blood vessels, a process called neovascularization, may occur. These blood vessels can cause bleeding and scar tissue formation with severe vision loss.
- UltrasoundThe test is performed without anesthesia. The patient is asked to close his/her eye and a coupling gel is placed on the probe and the eyelid. The probe is then gently placed on the eyelid and the images are acquired. Because ultrasound uses sound waves, there are no risks to this procedure.
- Skin CancerBesides choroidal melanoma, other examples of cancerous tumors in the eye include retinoblastoma, which is a rare tumor seen in children, and choroidal metastasis from a primary cancer outside of the eye.
- FungusUveitis occurs when there is active inflammation originating from the uveal tract of the eye. The uveal tract includes: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Inflammation can occur in the eye for many reasons. A common reason is that the body’s immune system becomes confused and sends inflammatory cells to attack parts of one’s own body (in this case, the uveal tissue). Another cause could be an infection inside the eye, such as from a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
- LesionsUltrasonography is an in-office, non-invasive procedure that images the inside and back of the eye using sound waves. This test is often employed when the view to the middle or back of the eye is difficult, such as with a dense cataract or vitreous hemorrhage (blood inside the eye). In addition, this test is helpful in measuring the thickness of lesions inside the eye.