retina surgery

Home Patient Information Tom H Williamson Private Practice Contact Information Cataract General Conditions Retinal Detachment Diabetes Macular Disease Inflammation Trauma Investigations	Anatomy of the Eye The eye is like a biological digital camera with a lens apparatus at the front (the cornea and lens) and an image processing unit at the back (the retina) which sends images to the brain via the electrical wiring (the optic nerve). The pupil and iris act as the lens aperture. The commonest problem to affect the lens apparatus is cataract (clouding of the lens). Many problems can inflict the image processor (retina) including retinal detachment. The eye is spherical in shape and therefore must have a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to stay “inflated”. If the pressure controlling mechanism fails the pressure rises, damages the optic nerve and causes glaucoma. In the middle of the sphere is a cavity filled with a clear jelly (the vitreous). Ageing of the vitreous causes many of the problems encountered in the retina including macular holes and pucker. During surgery the eye remains in place and the surgeon uses small incisions in the front of the eye to gain access to the part requiring operation. A microscope is used to magnify the surgical site and specialist micro-instruments employed.

Disclaimer. The information provided in the Retina Surgery web site is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. Always check with your doctor if you have concerns about your condition or treatment. The authors of this web site and St Thomas’ hospital are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the information contained in or implied by the information on the site.
(Information for Patients only provides a guide. It is important that you consult your ophthalmologist if you are experiencing problems with your eyes.)