If the eye becomes inflamed, anti-inflammatory eye drops may be required. If the pterygium continues to grow and threatens vision, or becomes cosmetically unacceptable, it can be surgically removed.

The autograft technique, in which conjunctival tissue is harvested from a healthy area and grafted into the defect left after removal of the pterygium, is most commonly used. The graft can be held in place by stitches or a tissue glue (TISSEEL).

Pterygium Surgery (Keratectomy) – Post-Operative Eye Care

• Leave the eye patch on overnight
• Start the drops on the first morning post-operatively, four times a day for one month
• Generally this is a painful procedure and the eye could be uncomfortable for about a month
• Do not swim for one month post-operatively and avoid rubbing the operated eye
• Wear a protective shield over the eye while sleeping

If you have any queries, please contact my rooms on 033 342 5433

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Surgery is the only treatment option for cataracts. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic as an in-hospital day procedure and involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye.

Cataract surgery is done through a self-sealing micro-incision with a high-frequency ultrasound probe called phacoemulsification. The phaco machine breaks the lens up into fragments and vacuums and removes these fragments out of the eye.

The cloudy lens which has been removed is then replaced with an intraocular lens implant.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed worldwide. The operation is painless and quick, usually taking just 20 minutes to perform.

The patient returns home the same day and can expect fairly rapid improvement in vision over the course of a few days.

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract_surgery

Cataract Surgery – Post-Operative Eye Care

• Start using drops when you return home after your op. Apply drops four times a day until finished.
• When putting drops in the eye, start with Tobradex, then, after two minutes, apply Acular.
• When going to bed, cover eye with the plastic shield for the first week after operation.
• Avoid exercise for the first week after operation.
• For the first month after operation, keep eye dry at all times, especially when taking a shower or washing hair.
• Do NOT rub the eye post op.
• If your eye gets very painful or red contact Dr Harrison immediately.

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The condition usually affects both eyes, but fortunately, patients with progressive keratoconus can be treated and stabilised by means of corneal cross-linking, a simple, effective and relatively inexpensive technique to arrest its progression.

Prior to the procedure, patients require a corneal scan to determine whether the eye is suitable for cross-linking, an office procedure during which riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops are applied to the cornea and then activated by ultraviolet light to “crosslink” or strengthen the structural corneal collagen proteins which are weakened in keratoconus.

Some studies have even found that corneal crosslinking can even reverse some of the changes of keratoconus resulting in improved visual function.

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The type of surgery recommended will depend on the type and severity of the glaucoma. Surgery can help lower pressure when medication alone is not sufficient. It does not, however, reverse visual loss.

Laser Surgery (Laser Trabeculoplasty)

Laser surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure either before medication is started or when medication fails to achieve the desired control of eye pressure.

Laser surgery is used to modify the eye’s trabecular meshwork (the eye’s drainage system), which helps increase the flow of fluid out of the eye and reduce eye pressure.

It has the advantage of being safe, effective and painless.

Filtering Surgery

When medications and laser surgery do not sufficiently lower eye pressure, filtering microsurgery may be recommended. This involves creating a tiny drainage fistula in the eye.

This opening allows the intraocular fluid to bypass the clogged drainage canals and flow through a newly created drainage canal, using either the eye’s natural tissues (trabeculectomy) or sometimes an implanted artificial drainage device.

Glaucoma surgery requires admission to hospital as a day case procedure and may need to be repeated to achieve the desired result.

Following glaucoma surgery regular follow-ups and strict adherence to the post-operative drop routine is vital for success.

Links: www.glaucoma.org

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