Name of the Procedure:

Iridectomy, also known as iris surgery or surgical removal of part of the iris.

Summary

An Iridectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the iris (the colored part of the eye) is removed. It is performed to treat or remove lesions on the iris or to relieve pressure within the eye caused by glaucoma.

Purpose

The procedure is primarily used to remove lesions on the iris, which could be benign or malignant. Another common use of Iridectomy is to manage certain types of glaucoma, by improving fluid drainage in the eye and reducing intraocular pressure.

Indications

• Presence of an iris lesion or tumor.
• Types of glaucoma, such as angle-closure glaucoma, where part of the iris blocks the eye’s drainage angle.
• Secondary glaucoma resulting from iris abnormalities.
• Vision obstruction or cosmetic concerns due to intraocular lesions.

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo fasting for several hours prior to surgery.
• Anticipate having to stop certain medications as advised by the physician.
• Pre-operative assessments could include a comprehensive eye exam, imaging studies of the eye, and blood tests.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is usually given local anesthesia to numb the eye area.
2. A small incision is made at the corneoscleral or corneal section using precision surgical tools.
3. The surgeon removes the targeted lesion or a part of the iris causing the problem.
4. The incision is then closed, often with fine sutures.
5. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops may be applied to prevent infection and reduce swelling.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital, surgical center, or a specialized outpatient clinic equipped for eye surgeries.

Personnel

• Ophthalmic surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is necessary)

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding within the eye
• Vision changes, such as blurry vision or double vision
• Elevated intraocular pressure
• Rarely, retinal detachment or cataract formation
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Effective removal of iris lesions
• Potentially improved vision
• Reduction of intraocular pressure for glaucoma patients
• Preventing further eye complications or vision loss

Recovery

• Patients will be given eye drops to prevent infection and aid healing.
• Mild discomfort and blurry vision may be expected for a few days.
• Restriction on strenuous activities to avoid eye strain.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and intraocular pressure.

Alternatives

• Laser Iridotomy: uses laser to make holes in the iris for fluid drainage in glaucoma management.
• Medical management with drops or systemic medications for intraocular pressure control.
• Observation and regular monitoring for non-threatening lesions.

Patient Experience

• Minor discomfort during and after the procedure is expected.
• Local anesthesia minimizes pain during the operation.
• Post-procedure instructions will include eye care measures and possibly avoiding certain activities to promote healing.
• Pain management with prescribed medication if needed.