Ocular surgery

Ocular Surgery is a branch of medicine that deals with the surgical treatment of eye disorders. It encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, including cataract surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma surgery, and retinal detachment repair, among others.

History

The history of ocular surgery dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded eye surgery was performed in the 5th century BC by the Indian physician Sushruta. He developed a procedure for the removal of cataracts, which involved using a curved needle to push the cloudy lens to the side of the eye.

Types of Ocular Surgery

There are several types of ocacular surgery, each designed to address specific eye conditions.

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure used to remove the lens of the eye when it has become clouded, impairing vision. The clouded lens is replaced with an artificial one.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery is used to correct refractive errors in the eye, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The most common type of refractive surgery is LASIK.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgery is performed to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Retinal Detachment Repair

Retinal detachment repair is a procedure used to reattach the retina to the back of the eye. This is often necessary after a retinal detachment, a serious condition that can lead to blindness if not treated promptly.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, ocular surgery carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, vision changes, and in rare cases, loss of vision. However, the risk of serious complications is generally low, and most patients experience significant improvements in their vision following surgery.

See Also

• Ophthalmology
• Eye health
• Visual acuity