Retinal Surgeries in the Lehigh Valley

Retinal surgeries are a specialized branch of ophthalmic surgery that focuses on treating various conditions affecting the retina, a critical component of the eye responsible for capturing and processing visual information. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye, and any damage or disorders affecting it can lead to vision impairment or loss.

Retinal surgeries encompass a range of procedures aimed at addressing retinal diseases and conditions, including:

Pneumatic Retinopexy

Pneumatic retinopexy is an in-office procedure used to repair some retinal detachments. It involves applying cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation to treat retinal tears and using an intraocular gas bubble to flatten or support the retina. The type of retinal detachment amenable to this procedure is dependent on its configuration and the location of the tears. Head positioning is important following pneumatic retinopexy to achieve success.

Retinal Detachment

Scleral Buckle

Scleral buckling surgery is a procedure performed in the operating room to repair certain types of retinal detachments. The procedure involves supporting the retina from the outside of the globe using segmental or encircling silicone implants. Retinal tears are treated using cryotherapy or laser, subretinal fluid is often drained externally, and an intraocular gas bubble is sometimes employed to support the retina from the inside. Scleral buckling surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Retinal Detachment

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy surgery is a type of surgery performed in an operating room. It is used to treat a variety of vitreoretinal disorders, such as vitreous floaters, macular pucker, macular holes, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachments, and complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Micro-instruments are used to enter the eye to remove vitreous gel, blood, or floaters. Membranes can be peeled from the surface of the retina using micro-forceps. Endolaser photocoagulation can be used to treat the retina. Subretinal fluid can also be drained out of the eye using a soft-tipped cannula. Vitreous substitutes, such as air, long-acting intraocular gas bubbles, or silicone oil can sometimes be employed. Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove the natural or implanted lens to perform surgery.

Vitrectomy surgery is performed using an operating microscope and can be done under local or general anesthesia. Scleral buckling and vitrectomy surgeries are sometimes combined to treat complex or recurrent retinal detachments.

Retinal Overview

Surgical Precautions & Postoperative Care

It is crucial to follow your surgeon’s pre and postoperative care instructions carefully, attend all follow-up appointments, and promptly report any unusual symptoms or changes in your vision.

• Notify your surgeon if you are on any blood thinners
• Most surgeries will require you to be out of work for at least one (1) week, often longer
• If an intraocular gas bubble or silicone oil is used for your surgery, special head positioning may be necessary
• You may NOT fly in an airplane or go up to high elevations if you have an intraocular gas bubble
• Postoperative discomfort/pain is usually controlled with Tylenol
• You may shower after your first postoperative visit
• Eye drops may be necessary following surgeries
• Wear the protective shield at bedtime for one (1) week
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous/vigorous activities for at least one (1) week following surgery

Meet Our Doctors  Patient Resources