Introduction:
Eyes are the gateway to view the magnificent outside world. Eye surgeries require a lot of precision. Eye surgeries are called ocular or ophthalmic surgeries and are performed by ophthalmologists. These surgeries are highly specialized and are based on the part of the eye involved, the technique, and the condition for which the surgery is performed. There are various types of eye surgeries, such as traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries, and laser surgeries. In the recent era, there have been tremendous advancements in eye surgeries which include surgeries that enable one to see without spectacles or contact lenses.
What Conditions Are Treated Through Eye Surgeries?
The following are the various eye conditions that can be treated through eye surgeries:
-
Cataracts (cloudiness of the normally clear lens of the eye).
-
Refractive errors like near and farsightedness and astigmatism (imperfection in the curvature of either the cornea or lens in the eyes).
-
Eye cancer.
-
Retinal detachment.
-
Glaucoma (a group of eye conditions that can result in blindness).
-
Ptosis (drooping eyelids).
-
Muscle surgeries.
-
Trauma repair.
-
Plastic and reconstruction surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Eye Surgeries?
Each type of eye surgery resolves a specific type of eye condition. Different types of eye surgeries are as follows:
-
Refractive Surgeries: These surgeries are done to improve or correct the vision. The common type of refractive surgery is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. This surgery aims to reshape the cornea to enhance the visual acuity. Traditional types of surgeries involve removing or reshaping the layers of the clear layers of the cornea, but laser surgeries are recent, advanced, and minimally invasive.
-
Glaucoma Surgery: Surgery for glaucoma is done to ease the buildup of pressure in the eye that can affect and damage the optic nerve. These surgeries are done by making tiny, traditional incisions. The incisions are made in the eye's surface, after which a tiny tube is placed to drain the excess fluid, thereby relieving the pressure.
-
Retinal Surgery: A layer of nerve tissue that envelops the back of the eye is called the retina. The retina is the place where the images are focused and sharpened before the nerve signals are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. However, all problems of the retina cannot be corrected through surgery. Retinal detachment is commonly treated through retinal surgery, while macular degeneration (an eye disorder that can cause loss of vision) cannot be treated through retinal surgery.
Vitrectomy is a retinal procedure in which the vitreous fluid and other associated abnormalities are removed. Vitrectomy is mostly done to treat a detached retina and vitreous hemorrhage due to diabetic nephropathy.
-
Cataract Surgery: Cataract surgery can be done either traditionally or through laser. In this surgery, the clouded natural lens of the eye is extracted and replaced with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery can be integrated with other surgeries like refractive surgeries or surgeries to correct astigmatism.
-
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Plastic and reconstructive surgeries may be done to remove excess skin in the eyelid, treatment of drooping eyelids and eyebrows, treatment of eye cancers, entropion (turned-in eyelid), ectropion (turned-out eyelid), tear duct issues, treatment of eye spasms, eye removal, reconstruction after orbital fractures, and so on.
-
Muscle Surgery: Six distinct eye muscles aid the eye in changing the gaze in various directions. Surgeries can treat specific muscle problems in the eyes. A condition called strabismus, wherein there is a malalignment of the eyes due to muscular imbalance, can be corrected by making changes to specific eye muscles that attach to the eyeball. Eye surgeries themselves may not be the cure always. It is also done to treat the eyes' symptoms linked to a larger, systemic condition.
-
Trauma Repair: There are various surgeries available to treat severe eye traumas or injuries. Trauma repair aims to preserve natural eyesight and restore the original appearance following an injury.
-
Blepharoplasty: Small incisions are made to remove the skin and muscle to remove or reposition the fat. This is done in individuals with droopy eyelids.
-
Corneal Transplant: In this procedure, a small tool is used to keep the eye open, and the damaged portion of the cornea is removed and replaced with healthy donor tissue. The transplant can be either full thickness (penetrating keratoplasty) or partial thickness (lamellar keratoplasty).
What Type of Anesthesia Is Given During an Eye Surgery?
The anesthetic considerations are as follows:
-
Certain types of eye surgeries require general anesthesia that keeps one in a sleeping state (unconscious) during the entire procedure.
-
Most of the time, monitored sedation is given along with regional anesthesia so that one does not experience any pain. While sedation is achieved intravenously, blocks are administered through an injection near the eye.
-
Though the level of sedation can vary depending on the patient and the procedure, it is mostly kept minimal so that the patient feels relaxed as well as remains awake. The sedation level is crucial for eye surgery since the physician does not want the patient to move their head. The position of the head and eyes must be stable during the procedure. Too much sedation in procedures like blepharoplasty can make the eyelids droopier than they already were. This can result in an overcorrection by the surgeon.
-
For LASIK eye surgeries, topical anesthetics like numbing gel or drops are sufficient to keep the patient relaxed during the procedure.
-
General anesthesia is preferred in conditions such as those to repair globe injuries (full-thickness defects of the eyewall).
What Can Be Expected Post-Eye Surgery?
Most eye surgeries will treat the targeted medical condition and enhance the individual's vision. The following can be expected after eye surgery:
-
If the eye surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, then one must not self-drive back home. Friends, relatives, or a driver must be asked to drive one back home after the eye surgery.
-
The physician will prescribe medications and give instructions regarding the positioning of the head, covering the eyes, and vision improvement.
-
The physician will schedule a follow-up appointment after the surgery. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery that was done.
Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated With Eye Surgeries?
Most eye surgeries are generally safe. However, a few risks or complications can be expected, such as:
-
Infection.
-
Dry eyes.
-
Bleeding.
-
Blurred vision.
-
Seeing halos or glare.
-
Decreased vision.
-
Laser surgeries can, at times, be unsuccessful or need to be repeated after a certain period.
One must discuss with the surgeon regarding the potential risks and complications before proceeding with the surgery.
What Is the Recovery Time for Various Eye Surgeries?
The recovery period for various eye surgeries is as follows:
-
Cataract Surgery: The recovery period is usually between four to eight weeks, but one can resume their normal routine earlier than this period.
-
LASIK and Similar Surgeries: It might take about four weeks to resume all the activities, but one can get back to work the next day.
-
Vitrectomy: Following vitrectomy, one should follow the instructions on how to position their head. Normal activities can be resumed after two to four weeks.
-
Glaucoma Surgery: The recovery period is about two to six weeks.
-
Corneal Transplants: Following corneal transplants, one can gain full vision after three months. It may also take 12 months or more.
Conclusion:
The eyes are the most important and delicate organs of the human body. There are various eye surgeries to correct various eye conditions. The use of lasers and robots in some types of eye surgeries has made them the most preferred in recent times. One must not hesitate to consult the physician if they experience more pain than expected, inability to see clearly or completely, experience excessive bleeding, or notice signs of infection like pus discharge, swelling, or fever after the eye surgery.
