 |  |
OPHTHALMOLOGY
During the last few years, the development of medical equipment, surgical techniques and methods of diagnosis has advanced in leaps and bounds. It has meant that millions of people have been able to improve and regain their eyesight. Peru is amongst the leading countries in South America for refractive eye surgery, allowing doctors to correct myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia.
Here are some of the medical procedures that can be carried out:
Excimer Laser – Wavefront System: This defines each eye’s optical system bit by bit, allowing for personalized, accurate and safe correction of visual problems.
Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants: These implants are used for myopias of more than 10 diopters in patients who cannot receive Excimer Laser Surgery. The Artisan and Visian ICL lenses don’t need to be removed and can correct acute myopias with or without astigmatism. The treatment is painless and can be carried out as an out-patient procedure.
Cataracts surgery: Cataracts is the progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It interferes with the light that passes through the eye to the retina. This surgery can be carried out as an out-patient procedure and is a common and effective treatment. Many patients’ vision greatly improves post surgery.
Pterygium Surgery: A pterygium should be operated upon before it starts to invade the cornea, even if it isn’t causing the patient discomfort. The patient should be over 25 years of age. The surgery is carried out using a special ophthalmological microscope and other microsurgical instruments. The area is covered with tissue from the patient, or with an amniotic membrane.
Retinal and Vitreous Surgery (Vitrectomy):
This procedure involves detaching the retina and then returning it to its proper place. The surgeon decides whether to carry the operation out inside the eye (conventional surgery) or outside of the eye (vitrectomy), or whether to use a combination of both techniques.
A vitrectomy involves making three micro-incisions in the wall of the eye. The first inserts a miniscule tube which acts as a tiny scalpel for separating the fibers and membranes, as well as a suction device for removing any blood or excess tissue. The other perforations are used to insert an optical fiber and a cannula into the eye to replace liquids.
A Vitrectomy is carried out in the following types of cases: complex detachment of the retina, diabetic retinopathy, hemorrhaging of the vitreous body, severe lesions of the eye (with or without damage to particles on the inside of the eye), complications occurring during cataracts surgery, severe eye infections etc.
Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy): This procedure involves reducing the intraocular pressure, bathing the eye in aqueous humor, a clear liquid which is present inside and outside the anterior chamber. If this liquid accumulates, the intraocular pressure increases, and if the pressure isn’t regulated, it can damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, eventually resulting in loss of sight.