Name of the Procedure:

Destruction of Cyst or Lesion of the Iris or Ciliary Body (Nonexcisional Procedure)

Summary

This procedure involves the non-surgical destruction of cysts or lesions located in the iris or ciliary body of the eye. It is typically performed using laser therapy or cryotherapy, which helps to eliminate abnormal tissue without the need for cutting or excising.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the presence of cysts or lesions in the iris or ciliary body, which can affect vision or eye health. The goal is to remove the abnormal tissue, alleviate symptoms such as discomfort or impaired vision, and prevent potential complications that could arise if the lesions were left untreated.

Indications

• Presence of cysts or lesions in the iris or ciliary body.
• Symptoms such as eye discomfort, pain, blurred vision, or recurrent inflammation.
• Risk of complications like glaucoma or vision impairment due to untreated lesions.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure, depending on the type of anesthesia used.
• It is important to disclose all medications and medical history to the healthcare provider.
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests, such as an eye exam or imaging studies, may be conducted to assess the lesion's characteristics.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the eye area.
2. For laser therapy, a laser beam is precisely directed at the cyst or lesion to destroy the abnormal tissue.
3. In cryotherapy, a probe that emits extreme cold is applied to the lesion, freezing and destroying the tissue.
4. The destroyed tissue is gradually absorbed by the body, or it may be reabsorbed into the eye.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or eye surgeon
• Nurses or medical assistants
• Anesthesiologist (if sedation is required)

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Mild discomfort, redness, or swelling of the eye.
• Rare risks: Infection, bleeding, unintended damage to surrounding eye structures, or vision changes.
• Possible complications: If any complications occur, they are often manageable with prompt medical care.

Benefits

• Effective removal of cysts or lesions, leading to symptom relief.
• Prevention of potential complications from untreated lesions.
• Most patients experience improvement in symptoms within a few days to weeks.

Recovery

• Follow post-procedure instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops and avoiding strenuous activities.
• Avoid rubbing the eye and protect it from dust or direct sunlight.
• Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.

Alternatives

• Observation: Monitoring the cyst or lesion without immediate intervention, which may be appropriate if it is not causing symptoms.
• Surgical excision: Physically removing the lesion, which is a more invasive option but may be necessary for larger or more problematic lesions.
• Pros and cons: Nonexcisional procedures are less invasive with quicker recovery, but surgical excision may be needed for certain cases.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, the patient might feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but pain is typically minimal due to local anesthesia.
• Post-procedure, patients may experience mild soreness, redness, or temporary vision blurriness.
• Pain management includes the use of analgesics or prescribed eye drops for comfort.