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

Before procedure

Ensuring the stability and complete healing of the retina requires frequent examinations. As with the initial vitrectomy surgery, blood-thinning medications should be discontinued according to the physician's recommendation.

After procedure

The post-operative care for this procedure is similar to that for vitrectomy. Typically, maintaining a specific position as prescribed by the ophthalmologist is required. The use of prescribed eye drops and medications to control inflammation and intraocular pressure continues. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure retinal stability after the oil is removed.

Complication and alarm signs

The most common and serious complication is the recurrence of retinal detachment after silicone oil removal. Other complications similar to vitrectomy surgery, such as infection, hemorrhage, and increased intraocular pressure, may also occur. The persistence of small oil bubbles in the anterior segment of the eye can sometimes cause blurred vision.

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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

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).

Surgery

Intravitreal injection

Direct injection of medication into the vitreous (the eye's gel-like substance) is used to treat vascular and inflammatory diseases of the retina and macula. Common injectable drugs include anti-VEGF agents (such as Avastin, Eylea) to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and retinal edema, and corticosteroids (such as triamcinolone, Ozurdex) to suppress and control inflammation.