Sutureless Eye Surgery Technique Reduces Recovery Time

Ophthalmic surgery is constantly developing less and less invasive surgical techniques in order to minimize the trauma inflicted upon the patient during surgery, as well reduce to a minimum the recovery time required to overcome surgery trauma.

Surgeons at the Bristol Eye Hospital (United Kingdom) are using sutureless eye surgery to treat conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes, diabetic eye disease, and uveitis. The basis of the technique is an entry alignment cannula inserted transconjunctivally, without prior incisions through the eye, which means that no resection and subsequent suturing of the conjunctiva or the sclera is required. The sutureless eye surgery therefore considerably reduces patient discomfort, improves post-operative recovery times, and reduces the risk of infection. The technique uses small, disposable instruments that are inserted into the patient's eye through the tiny cannula; when it is removed from the eye, the wound is so small that it seals itself. The technique also reduces the time needed to carry out the procedure by around 20 minutes.

"Conventional eye operations leave an average of eight stitches in the patient's eye. This can make them sore and it can take more than four weeks for the stitches to dissolve. Also, there is more of an infection risk as well as discomfort and inflammation,” said consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr. Richard Haynes. "The new procedure is much less invasive and it is less of a trauma particularly for those patients who are more sensitive such as children, although all patients who go through it will appreciate the more comfortable outcome and the much quicker recovery.”

Multiple entry alignment devices are typically used, so that a variety of instruments and devices may be inserted. Such devices may include a light pipe, forceps, irrigation line, drug delivery devices, adhesive containers, laser endoprobes, aspirating picks, or vitrectomy cutting tips. An entire disposable vitrectomy cutting tool and aspiration line may also be used, if so desired.

Related Links:
Bristol Eye Hospital