Cataract Surgery
Cataracts develop as a normal part of the aging process. By the age 60 about half of all adults will have some cataract formation, although it may be minor and unnoticeable. By the age 70, nearly everyone has some degree of cataract formation. Cataract can be described as cloudy or opaque areas in part or all areas of the lens that interfere with passage of light through the lens. The clouding of the lens in the eyes leads to visual impairment.
Removal of a cataract is one of the most common procedures performed in Australia. The surgical goal is to restore visual function through a safe and minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves replacement of the cloudy lens with an artificial lens implant. The operation is done under a microscope through a tiny incision.
The operation permanently removes the cataract and insertion of the artificial lens may reduce dependence on spectacles.
Cataract surgery is usually performed using local anaesthetic and light sedation. A specialist anaesthetist gives the anaesthetic and sedation.
For some patients, general anaesthesia may be recommended.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
When the effects of the sedation has worn of and you have had something to eat and drink, you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit to the doctor will have been arranged before you leave.
Corneal Graft Surgery
Abnormalities of the cornea include keratoconus, corneal dystrophy, corneal scarring and chemical burns. These abnormalities may be rectified by the replacement of the cornea.
After thorough examination an ophthalmologist will determine if an individual could benefit or is ready for a corneal transplant. The patient is listed with the Lions Corneal Donation Services surgery schedule to await an available cornea.
Corneal transplant can be performed under general or local anaesthesia after discussion with the surgeon.
Corneal transplantation or corneal grafting is performed using a microscope. The patients diseased cornea is removed using a cylindrical cutting instrument. The donors cornea is cut similarly so that the shapes are identical. The clear, healthy cornea is placed in the opening where the patients old cornea was removed and then sewn into place, using sutures less than half as fine as a human hair.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
When the effects of the anaesthetic has worn off and you have had something to eat and drink you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit to the doctor will have been arranged before you leave.
Pterygium
A pterygium is an abnormal wedge-shaped growth on the white of the eye, most commonly on the inner corner. Pterygiums are thought to be caused by sun exposure; it is recommended that people who are regularly exposed to bright sunlight should protect their eyes with sunglasses. Pterygia can be removed surgically. Due to it being a benign growth, treatment is not necessary unless it is close to the pupil and obstructing vision. They are also removed if they are causing eye irritation or if they are unsightly. Surgery can be done without discomfort with a low risk of complication.
ANAESTHESIA
Most patients have local anaesthesia and light sedation during Pterygium surgery.
Pterygium surgery is performed using a microscope. A small cut is made in the conjunctiva surrounding the pterygium. The pterygium is lifted up, cut and the entire growth removed. To reduce the risk of regrowth a conjunctival autograft will most likely be done. This simply means a small amount of conjunctival tissue is relocated over the site and sewn into place.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
When the effects of the sedation has worn off and you have had something to eat and drink you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit to the doctor will have been arranged before you leave.
Trabeculectomy
A SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA
GLAUCOMA is the name given to a group of eye diseases often associated with too much pressure inside one or both eye-balls. It is a leading cause of damage to vision or blindness in people over 40 but can affect people of any age. If glaucoma is detected early, treatment can prevent or reduce loss of vision in most patients.
Surgery has increasingly become an effective and proven form of treatment. It may be recommended:
- If the medication is not working
- If the glaucoma is worsening
- To improve the result of the medical treatment
- If the patient is unable to take the medication
- To reduce the need for medication.
- In some cases, such as congenital glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma, surgery is the first choice of treatment.
The most common incisional surgery to treat glaucoma is called a filtering procedure. In a filtering procedure called a trabeculectomy, the ophthalmologist creates a channel through the wall of the eyeball (the sclera) near the trabecular meshwork. This lets the fluid slowly drain out of the eye and so release the pressure. A drug to prevent the channel closing may be used.
ANAESTHESIA
For trabeculectomy is usually local anaesthesia with light sedation administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
When the effects of the sedation have worn off and you have had something to eat and drink you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit to the doctor will have been arranged before you leave
D.C.R. - Dacrycystorhinostomy
An operation to create a new tear duct for drainage of tears directly into the nose.
Endoscopic D.C.R.
Blocking of the tear canal may result from obstructions arising anywhere, beginning at the small tear duct in the lower eyelid and extending to the nasolacrimal duct. Obstructions involving the lacrimal sac in the nose requires D.C.R.
Performing this procedure endoscopically involves using a telescope with a camera attached. The telescope is passed up the nostril and the surgeon views the operative site on a monitor. A light pipe is passed down the tear duct to the lacrimal sac providing a clear view of the area. A large opening, approximately 8-10mm in size, is made in the wall of the nose and a union is created between the mucosal lining of the nose in this area and the lacrimal sac. A silicone tube is put in place to ensure that the passage remains open.
This procedure is minimally invasive, with no obvious wound.
Anaesthesia
A general anaesthesia administered by a specialist anaesthetist is required for this procedure.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
You will rest on a trolley until you are awake and ready to get dressed. You will move to a recliner chair where you will be offered something to eat and drink.
When you are deemed ready you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit to the doctor will be arranged before you leave.
Dental
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth. These four molars appear during late teens or early twenties, when a person is physically mature, hence the name wisdom. It is common for the wisdom teeth to not rise above the gum line and become impacted in the jaw. The wisdom teeth may need to be removed if impaction occurs or if they are a threat to other teeth.
Wisdom teeth can be removed under local anaesthesia in the dentist’s office. However, if the tooth is deeply impacted or is expected to be hard to extract the dentist may refer the person to an oral surgeon for tooth removal.
ANAESTHESIA
Removal of wisdom teeth usually is performed under general anaesthesia.
Surgery requires the gum tissue that presides over the tooth to be removed, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth and then suturing is needed to close the open gum-line.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
Ice packs will be placed on you cheeks to reduce the incidence of swelling. You will rest on a trolley until you are sufficiently awake and ready to get dressed. You will then move to a recliner chair and have something to eat and drink. When you are ready you will be able to go home.
A follow up visit with the doctor will have been arranged before you leave.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an artificial tooth or bridge that are attached to the jawbone. They can replace one or more teeth, provide support for partial dentures, or are used to attach full dentures. An implant is to be treated as a natural tooth and can be expected to last for a decade or more.
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