Shunt Surgery

This surgery is performed to control advanced glaucoma that does not respond adequately to medication and laser treatment. In glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure gradually damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss, visual field defects, and ultimately blindness. In this procedure, a small tube (shunt) is implanted in the eye to drain the aqueous humor to an external space, thereby permanently reducing intraocular pressure.

Surgery

Before procedure

A comprehensive examination of the optic nerve and visual field, along with advanced imaging, is performed. Some glaucoma medications may need to be continued until the day of surgery. As with other surgeries, blood-thinning medications should be discontinued according to the ophthalmologist's instructions, and antiseptic eye drops might be used preoperatively.

After procedure

Long-term use of steroid eye drops is essential to control inflammation and prevent blockage of the shunt pathway. Eye rubbing is strictly prohibited, as it may cause displacement of the shunt. Regular postoperative follow-ups are necessary to monitor intraocular pressure, shunt function, and the condition of the optic nerve.

Complication and alarm signs

Sudden vision loss, severe pain, and nausea may indicate a severe drop in intraocular pressure or hemorrhage. Progressive redness, discharge, and pain could be signs of intraocular infection. Additionally, seeing colored halos around lights or the recurrence of glaucoma symptoms may be due to the blockage or malfunction of the implanted shunt.

More to read

Laser

Retinal PDT

PDT is a two-step treatment primarily used for certain types of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, a light-activated drug called verteporfin is infused into a vein in your arm over about 10 minutes. Second, about 15 minutes after the infusion starts, your doctor will shine a non-thermal ("cold") red laser directly onto the leaky blood vessels in your macula for some seconds. The laser activates the drug only in that precise area, causing the abnormal vessels to seal without damaging the overlying retina. The laser itself is not hot and is not felt by the patient.

Laser

Retinal BL

A Barrier Laser is used to treat retinal tears, holes, or areas of significant thinning to prevent retinal detachment. After dilating and numbing your eye, your doctor will place a contact lens. The laser is applied in a pattern of small burns that surround the tear or weak area. These burns create gentle scar tissue that "spot-welds" or "fences off" the problem area, sealing it to the back wall of the eye and preventing fluid from getting underneath to cause a detachment. The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes. You will see bright flashes and may feel a slight pulsing sensation.

Surgery

Silicone Oil Removal

Silicone oil is a substance injected into the eye at the end of certain complex vitrectomy surgeries (usually for difficult retinal detachments) to hold the retina in place for an extended period. After the retina has fully stabilized (typically several months to a year later), this oil must be removed in a second surgery because over time it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, or corneal opacity.

Surgery

Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be congenital or acquired (e.g., due to aging, eyelid trauma, or neuromuscular disorders). In severe cases, this drooping can restrict the superior visual field, cause eye fatigue, or be cosmetically bothersome. Surgery aims to elevate the eyelid to an appropriate level and achieve symmetry with the contralateral eye.

Surgery

Strabismus Surgery

This surgery is performed to correct strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). In strabismus, due to an imbalance in the function of the extraocular muscles, the visual axes of the two eyes are not aligned. This can cause diplopia (double vision), amblyopia (lazy eye), and cosmetic and social problems. The surgery aims to restore eye coordination and alignment by strengthening, weakening, or repositioning one or more of the eye muscles.

Surgery

Phaco with PCIOL

This is the standard treatment method for cataract. In cataract, the eye's natural clear lens gradually becomes cloudy, like a fogged-up window, blurring vision, fading colors, and making night vision difficult. Phaco surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, breaking up and removing the clouded lens using ultrasound waves, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).