Conjunctivoplasty

Surgical procedure to repair the conjunctiva

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Complications
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Conjunctivoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing or reconstructing the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and lines the inside of the eyelids. This procedure is often performed to address various conditions affecting the conjunctiva, such as scarring, tumors, or chronic inflammation.

Indications

Conjunctivoplasty is indicated in several clinical scenarios, including:

• Pterygium: A benign growth of the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea, potentially affecting vision.
• Symblepharon: Adhesion of the eyelid to the eyeball, often due to trauma or inflammatory diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Conjunctival tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors may require excision and reconstruction of the conjunctiva.
• Chronic conjunctivitis: Persistent inflammation that leads to scarring and requires surgical intervention.

Procedure

The specific technique used in conjunctivoplasty depends on the underlying condition being treated. Common steps in the procedure include:

1. Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is administered, depending on the extent of the surgery and patient factors. 2. Incision and Excision: The surgeon makes an incision in the conjunctiva and excises any abnormal tissue, such as a pterygium or tumor. 3. Reconstruction: The conjunctiva is reconstructed using various techniques, which may include:

  * Autografting: Transplanting healthy conjunctival tissue from another part of the patient's eye.
  * Amniotic membrane transplantation: Using a preserved amniotic membrane to cover the defect and promote healing.
  * Synthetic materials: In some cases, synthetic materials may be used to support the reconstruction.

4. Closure: The surgical site is closed with fine sutures, and a protective dressing may be applied.

Postoperative Care

After conjunctivoplasty, patients are typically prescribed topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor healing and ensure the success of the procedure.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, conjunctivoplasty carries potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Recurrence of the original condition
• Scarring
• Vision changes

Prognosis

The prognosis after conjunctivoplasty is generally favorable, especially when performed by an experienced ophthalmic surgeon. The success of the procedure largely depends on the underlying condition being treated and the patient's adherence to postoperative care instructions.

Also see

• Conjunctivitis
• Pterygium
• Ophthalmology
• Eye surgery

External

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

• Astigmatism

B

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• Blepharitis* Blepharospasm

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