What is ophthalmologic surgery?

Ophthalmologic surgery, also known as eye surgery, is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the eye and its adnexa, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, lacrimal system, and orbit. Ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors who have completed additional specialized training in eye care and surgery, perform ophthalmologic surgeries.

Here are some common types of ophthalmologic surgeries:

1. Cataract Surgery: Cataracts are characterized by the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision and impaired sight. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), restoring clear vision.

2. Refractive Surgery: Refractive surgeries are performed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. These surgeries aim to reshape the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye) using techniques such as LASIK, PRK, and ICL (implantable collamer lens) to improve visual acuity.

3. Glaucoma Surgery: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma surgery aims to control intraocular pressure (IOP) by creating a new drainage pathway for the aqueous fluid, a clear liquid that circulates within the eye, to flow out. Common glaucoma surgeries include trabeculectomy, deep sclerectomy, and glaucoma drainage devices.

4. Corneal Transplant: A corneal transplant involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy cornea from a donor. This surgery is performed in cases of severe corneal scarring, infections, or thinning of the cornea, which significantly affect vision.

5. Retinal Surgery: The retina, located at the back of the eye, is responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Retinal surgery is performed to treat various retinal conditions such as retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

6. Strabismus Surgery: Strabismus, commonly known as squint, is a misalignment of the eyes where one eye looks inward, outward, upward, or downward. Strabismus surgery aims to correct the eye alignment and restore binocular vision by adjusting the muscles surrounding the eye.

7. Oculoplastic Surgery: Oculoplastic surgery focuses on the eyelids, tear ducts, and surrounding tissues of the eye. It encompasses procedures such as eyelid lifts, ptosis repair (droopy eyelid correction), eyelid reconstruction, tear duct repair, and the removal of growths or lesions around the eye.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of ophthalmologic surgeries performed to preserve and restore vision and improve the overall health and appearance of the eyes.