67031 Severing of vitreous strands, vitreous face adhesions, sheets, membranes or opacities, laser surgery (1 or more stages)

Name of the Procedure:

Severing of Vitreous Strands, Vitreous Face Adhesions, Sheets, Membranes or Opacities (Laser Surgery)

Summary

This laser surgery involves using laser technology to cut and remove abnormal tissue structures within the vitreous humor of the eye. These structures may include strands, adhesions, sheets, membranes, or opacities that can impair vision.

Purpose

The procedure addresses issues within the vitreous humor that can interfere with vision.

• Conditions: Vitreous strands, adhesions, sheets, membranes, or opacities.
• Goals: Improve or restore vision clarity by removing obstructions.

Indications

• Persistent floaters or shadows in the field of vision.
• Adhesions or attachments causing visual disturbances.
• Membranes or sheets that distort vision.
• Vitreous opacities that impair light transmission to the retina.

Preparation

• Fasting: Typically not required.
• Medications: Instructions may be given to stop certain medications before surgery.
• Assessments: Comprehensive eye examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and possibly an ultrasound of the eye.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the eye area.
2. Laser Application: The surgeon uses a laser to precisely cut and dissolve the vitreous strands, adhesions, membranes, or opacities.
3. Monitoring: The patient is typically awake and can communicate with the surgeon during the procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Performed in an outpatient setting, such as an eye clinic or surgical center.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or eye surgeon conducts the procedure.
• Medical assistants and nurses provide support.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild discomfort, temporary blurred vision, irritation.

• Rare Risks: Retinal detachment, infection, increased intraocular pressure.

  Benefits

• Immediate Benefits: Improved visual clarity, reduction in visual disturbances.
• Long-Term Benefits: Enhanced overall vision quality and daily functioning.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Application of antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Recovery Time: Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided.
• Follow-up: Scheduled check-ups to monitor healing and eye pressure.

Alternatives

• Watchful Waiting: Observing if the condition improves on its own.
• Vitrectomy: Surgical removal of the vitreous humor; more invasive.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may involve different risks, recovery periods, and effectiveness.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Mild discomfort, awareness of light flashes but minimal pain due to local anesthesia.
• After the Procedure: Possible temporary vision blurring, mild soreness.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops as needed.