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Surgical Retina

Overview

Surgical retina refers to a branch of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders that require surgical intervention. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that converts visual information into nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain. Surgery is often required to treat retinal conditions that cannot be resolved using non-surgical treatments, such as medication or laser therapy.

Common Conditions

Common conditions that may require surgical retina treatment include

  • Retinal detachment: This occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. It can lead to vision loss and requires emergency surgical intervention to reattach the retina.
  • Macular hole: A macular hole is a small break in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Surgery is often necessary to repair the hole and restore vision.
  • Epiretinal membrane: This is a thin, fibrous layer that forms on the surface of the retina, causing distortion or blurring of vision. Surgery can be performed to remove the membrane and improve vision.
  • Vitreous haemorrhage: This occurs when blood leaks into the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. Surgery may be necessary to remove the blood and prevent vision loss.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes that can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged blood vessels and prevent further damage.
  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is a progressive eye disease that affects the macula, causing vision loss. Surgery may be necessary to implant a tiny telescope in the eye to help improve vision.

Treatment

Surgical treatments for retinal disorders can include

  • Vitrectomy: This is a surgical procedure in which the vitreous gel is removed from the eye and replaced with a saline solution. This is often necessary for treating conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, and vitreous haemorrhage.
  • Retinal laser surgery: This involves using a laser to create small burns on the retina to seal blood vessels or repair tears. This can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy and other retinal conditions.
  • Scleral buckling: This is a surgical procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the eye to support the retina and reattach it to the back of the eye. This is often used to treat retinal detachment.

Recovery

After any surgical retina procedures, patients may experience some discomfort, blurry vision and sensitivity to light.

It may take several days to weeks for the eye to fully heal. Patients may be required to attend follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to your vision, please contact us to make an appointment with one of the sub-specialised surgical retina specialists to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Ophthalmologists who specialise in Surgical Retina

Dr Elvis Ojaimi

MBBS, MMed, MD, FRANZCO

Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Cataracts, Medical Retina, Surgical Retina, Uveitis, General
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Phone

(03) 9417 1011

Hours

Monday to Friday

8:30am ~ 5pm

Fax

(03) 9419 9649

Email

[email protected]

Address

Suite 8.1, Level 8
Epworth Grey Street Centre
124 Grey Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002

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Melbourne Cup Clinic Closure

The clinic will be closed from Monday 6th November 2023 and will re-open on Wednesday 8th November 2023.

Happy Holidays

The clinic will be closed from Friday 22nd December 2023 and will re-open on Monday 8th January 2024.

From the team at East Melbourne Eye Group, we wish all of our patients & referrers a happy & safe festive period.

The Christmas holiday period can be a very busy time, please take a moment to ensure you have enough scripts to cover you over the holiday period and your referrals are up to date.