What Surgical Procedures Does a Retina Surgeon Perform?
At Austin Retina Associates, we treat many common and complex eye conditions affecting the retina. Often, surgery is the most effective way to correct these issues to improve or restore a patient’s sight, and ultimately, quality of life.
Our retina specialists in Austin are highly respected for their top-quality care not only in Central Texas, but throughout the nation as well.
Retinal Surgery in Austin
Our board-certified vitreoretinal surgeons have extensive training and experience in advanced retinal surgical techniques. Some of the surgeries and procedures we perform frequently include:
Vitrectomy: A vitrectomy is when the vitreous humor gel that fills the eye cavity is removed to provide better access for retinal repair . Different forms of vitrectomy include:
- Vitrectomy with laser for retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage
- Vitrectomy with membrane stripping for epiretinal membrane or macular holes
- Vitrectomy with repositioning, removal, or insertion of intraocular lens
- Vitrectomy with cataract extraction from pars plana approach
Scleral Buckle: A scleral buckle is a small, flexible band used to help gently squeeze and reattach the retina when it becomes detached. It is delicately secured into place around the eyeball via surgery. This may be performed with or without a vitrectomy.
Laser Surgery or Cryotherapy: Each of these surgical treatments is used to repair retinal tears, holes, or detachments. With laser surgery (also known as photocoagulation), laser-focused heat is administered to the injury site creating tiny scars which will then promote healing. In a similar manner, freezing the area around the retina injury or detachment (cryotherapy) will also create tiny scars that then promote eventual healing and reattachment.
Pneumatic Retinopexy: In pneumatic retinopexy, a small air bubble is gently injected into the eye in order to coerce the retina back into place following detachment.
Intravitreal Injection: Intravitreal injections are done when medication needs to be deposited precisely into the far back space of the eye called the vitreous cavity. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions often require medication to be administered this way.
Other procedures that we perform at Austin Retina Associates include:
- Radiation plaque implant and removal
- Repair of ruptured globe
- Removal of foreign body
- Anterior chamber paracentesis
- Indirect focal laser
- Indirect panretinal laser
Retina Treatment Centers
The majority of the procedures we perform are conveniently done in one of our 15 Central Texas retina centers using local anesthesia. Surgical procedures that are more complex and require anesthesia will be done in a hospital or surgery center, but rarely require an overnight stay. After your procedure is complete, your retina specialist will give specific instructions needed for the care and healing of your eye in the days to come.
Consult With a Retina Surgeon in Austin Today
If you suspect you are suffering from a retina condition, have experienced an eye injury, or have been referred to us by another physician, our retinal surgeons are available 24/7 to provide advanced treatment and procedures at one of our retina treatment centers in Austin.
Here is what you can expect at your first appointment with us.
To schedule a consultation with one of our retinal specialists, please call 800-252-8259 or request an appointment online.
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