What is a vitreo retinal specialist?
A vitreoretinal specialist is a highly trained medical physician who specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation and medical or surgical treatment of diseases affecting the vitreous gel, macula or peripheral retina in the back of the eye.
What is vitreoretinal degeneration?
A vitreoretinal degeneration characterized by splitting of the retina into two layers. From: Dictionary of Optometry and Vision Science (Eighth Edition), 2018.
How is retinal detachment surgery performed?
In this procedure, a gas bubble is injected into the eye. The bubble presses against the detached retina and pushes it back into place. A laser or cryotherapy is then used to reattach the retina firmly into place. The gas bubble will dissolve in a few days.
Can a retina specialist do cataract surgery?
Like the film in the camera, vision loss from diseases of the retina are not usually correctible with glasses or contact lenses. Just like changing the lens in the camera will not help the picture if the film is damaged. As a retinal specialist, I typically do not prescribe glasses or perform routine cataract surgery.
What is the success rate of a vitrectomy?
The success rate for vitrectomy is around 90 percent, even if you’re over 60.
How painful is a vitrectomy?
Unless the patient is in poor health or has severe disease, nearly all vitrectomies are outpatient procedures performed either in a hospital or in a dedicated ambulatory surgery center; they involve little or no pain and require only minimal anesthesia.
Does vitreous degeneration go away?
Non-severe vitreous degeneration: No specific treatment is usually needed for vitreous degeneration as it is non-sight threatening and the symptoms eventually subside in the vast majority of patients. Most patients no longer notice flashes or floaters.
Is retinal laser surgery painful?
Pain: Most patients have little if any pain following retinal laser surgery. Patients who require more extensive laser may have an ache inside the eye or around the eye. If you have discomfort after the surgery, rest and take Tylenol, ibuprofen, or another over the counter pain reliever.
Is retinal detachment surgery painful?
Surgery is done under anesthesia, so it’s not painful. After surgery, you may have some amount of pain in the eye. Your eye may be tender, red or swollen for a couple of weeks.