Surgical Procedures

Ophthalmic surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.  Some commonly procedures include cataract, glaucoma, pterygium, and chalazion surgeries.

Cataract Surgery

 

Cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens inside the eye.  This can cause dimness, glare, and blurry vision.  Surgery involves extraction of the cataract and its replacement with an intraocular lens implant.  Surgery is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis at a surgery center or hospital.  In addition to improving your vision, intraocular lens selection based on your needs can correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.  New small incision sutureless cataract surgery makes it a safe, effective, and painless proceudre for our patients.  Patients can often see well the same day or the next day and return to work quickly after their surgery.

Glaucoma Surgery

 

Several types of glaucoma surgeries are available, including trabeculectomy, implantation of Ex-Press glaucoma filtration device, implantation of Baerveldt or Ahmed tube shunt, and cyclophotocoagulation.  Glaucoma surgeries seek to lower intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve deterioration when medical and laser treaments are insufficient.  Surgeries are performed under local anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center. 

Pterygium Excision with Graft

 

Pterygia are growths of conjunctival membrane on to the cornea that can obstruct vision or cause discomfort, redness, and irregular astigmatism.  A pterygium can be excised under local anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital.  A graft or application of anti-metabolite may be necessary to prevent its recurrence.

Chalazion Excision

 

Chalazia are blocked meibomian glands and look like red swollen bumps under the eyelids.  When medical treatments have failed, they may be excised surgically under local anesthesia in the office.