Services | Vitreoretinal Surgery

Vitreoretinal Surgery | Manhattan | New York City The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and is connected to the retina, optic nerve and many blood vessels. Problems with the retina and vitreous -- including retinal tear, retinal detachment, severe intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) and trauma -- can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Surgery can correct problems before vision is lost or prevent further deterioration from occurring.

Following vitreous surgery it is essential to keep your face down for approximately two weeks. Oak Works Corporation provides equipment to facilitate this positioning. This is only required if a gas bubble is placed in the eye. Your face must be kept down ninety percent of the time during this period. Please contact Oak Works for a temporary rental of the equipment which will help maintain your head in the correct position at (800) 916-4592 or online at: www.owleasing.com.

We offer vitreoretinal surgery to correct:

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Diabetic Retinopathy

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Diabetic Retinopathy | Manhattan | New York City Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused). When these weak vessels leak, swell or develop thin branches, vision loss occurs. Laser surgery is the treatment of choice.

Focal laser coagulation may be recommended for patients with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) – swelling of the central retina, called the macula. The laser coagulates, or dries up, the fluid that is causing the swelling. A similar procedure called scatter laser photocoagulation (also known as pan-retinal photocoagulation or PRP) destroys abnormal blood vessel growth in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). If there is blood in the eye obscuring the laser, a vitrectomy (Vitreoretinal surgery) may be performed to drain the blood in preparation for photocoagulation.

Fortunately, diabetic retinopathy is preventable. People with diabetes are most susceptible to developing it, but your risk is reduced if you follow your prescribed diet and medications, exercise regularly, control your blood pressure, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy.

Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected, patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.

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Flashes and Floaters

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Flashes Floaters | Manhattan | New York City Flashes and floaters are symptoms of the eye that commonly occur as a result of age-related changes to the vitreous gel. When we are born, the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina and is a thick, firm substance without much movement. But as we age, the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, and tissue debris that was once secure in the firm gel can now move around inside the eye, casting shadows on the retina.

Flashes in vision occur as a result of a tugging on the retina in the back of the eye by the vitreous, and causes patients to see flashing lights or lightning streaks. Floaters occur when fibers move across the vitreous and into your field of vision, causing patients to see specks, strands, webs or other shapes as the fibers cast shadows on the retina. These spots are most visible when looking at a plain, light background. Flashes and floaters are common, especially as we age, but it is important to see your doctor if you experience them, as they may indicate a retinal tear or hole. Most flashes and floaters occur in people with healthy or merely nearsighted eyes. They can be symptoms of serious problems including injury or retinal and posterior vitreous detachments. Patients experiencing flashes and floaters should contact their doctor immediately so an examination can be performed. Your doctor can distinguish between harmless flashes and floaters, and those that may require treatment for an underlying condition. Most flashes and floaters will become less noticeable with time as patients adjust to their vision. While these floaters are harmless, it is important to continue to receive regular eye exams to ensure that any permanent changes to your vision do not occur.

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