CREDIT:( REPRODUCED FROM PATIENT PICTURES: OPHTHALMOLOGY, HEALTH PRESS, OXFORD 2001. ILLUSTRATED BY DEE MCLEAN

CREDIT: NIH NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE

Lens becomes cloudy( a cataract)

and cataract is in the way. For example, people get damage to the retina due to diabetes. If you need surgery for any other condition, your doctor may then recommend that it would be better to have the cataract removed at the same sitting.”

“ If your health is generally poor,

VITRECTOMY is when the Vitreo-Retinal surgeon removes the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the centre of the eye. Those who need a vitrectomy may include those with retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage( bleeding in the eye), dropped nucleus( a complication of cataract surgery), macular hole, epiretinal

surgery may have more risks,” he said.

He suggested patients who decide against surgery to get new glasses, have brighter lighting at home especially where reading and when going out in bright sunlight, to use an anti-glare sunglass or a hat with a brim to prevent glare from lights and the sun.

membrane and diabetic tractional detachment( TRD).

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Manoharan Shunmugam emphasised that during a vitrectomy, the doctor makes a tiny incision in the sclera( white of the eye). Next, a small instrument is placed into the eye to remove the vitreous.

How is a vitrectomy performed?

Modern vitrectomies require sophisticated machinery and are performed through three needle-sized incisions made in the white part of the eye.

“ These are so small they frequently do not even need stitches after. One incision is used to inject fluid into the eye to keep it inflated. The other two openings are used for the instruments, namely a light-pipe( fibre-optic illumination) and a high-speed cutter which cuts and sucks the jelly out simultaneously.”

After performing all required surgical manoeuvers, the eye may be filled with a tamponade; air, gas or oil. Air and gas dissipates into the blood with time and can take days to weeks depending on the type of gas used. Oil however remains in the eye until it is removed at another sitting. The choice of tamponade depends on the surgeon, the severity of the condition and circumstances.

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Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Manoharan

Shunmugam explained that on average this takes three instillations of the drops and a wait of around 20 to 30 minutes.

The effects of the drops last for around four hours and will blur your vision especially for near reading. Driving is not advisable after you’ ve had your pupils dilated.

YOUR doctor may prescribe eye drops which may need to be used just for a few days or a few weeks.

All eye drops are different and come with different storage instructions so do take a minute to read the included leaflet. This should also have useful information about the type of medication contained in the drops. Never leave eye drops in direct sunlight or in very hot locations such as a car parked in the sun.

Most drops should be thrown away 28 days after opening the tube or bottle- some bottles last longer but check to ensure if this is the case. TIP:

• Write the date of opening on your bottle so you know when it should be discarded.

• Single-dose preservative-free drops should be discarded after use.

• Do not use any eye drops after their expiry date.

Example of an eye with stye.

EYESIGHT plays a big role to contributing to the quality of life.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal surgeon Dr Manoharan Shunmugam stressed that regular check-ups are essential to ensure that there are no conditions affecting the eyes. According to him, those who need a regular check up are:

• All newborn babies

• Children between the age of four and 12

• Children who wear glasses

• Children who appear to have difficulty at school or other tasks like watching television

• Anyone over 40 years old

• All diabetics

• Anyone with a family history of an eye condition such as Glaucoma

• Anyone with high spectacles power( or high astigmatism)