About Eye Surgery
Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit surgical hospital committed to delivering 'exceptional care that makes a difference' to Otago and Southland residents. Ophthalmology surgery is provided from the Manaaki building, which is based on Mercy Hospital's Dunedin campus. Independent specialists provide ophthalmology services which support treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye. This surgical service is provided at our facility by the following medical specialists. For further information please seek a referral through your GP or contact your preferred specialist directly.
Consultants
Procedures / Treatments
Corneal surgery
Keratoplasty (corneal transplant): the damaged cornea is removed and replaced with one from a donor.
Glaucoma (high eye pressure)
Laser Surgery: there are several different glaucoma laser techniques, but all involve aiming a laser beam into the eye which you will see as a bright light, similar to a camera flash.
Trabeculectomy: this is a surgical procedure in which a tiny hole is made in the sclera (white of the eye) that provides an alternative fluid drainage pathway.
MIGS: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, insertion of drainage tube designed to reduce pressure in the eye reducing the need for medication.
Ptosis surgery (eyelid lift surgery)
This procedure typically involves making a small cut (incision) in the fold of the upper eyelid and shortening or reattaching the stretched or weakened eyelid lifting muscle.
Retinal surgery
Laser: can be used to mend tears, seal leaking blood vessels or reattach minor retinal detachments.
Cryopexy (freezing): can be used to mend tears, seal leaking blood vessels or reattach minor retinal detachments.
Vitrectomy: tiny incisions (cuts) are made in the white of your eye and the jelly-like substance (vitreous) in the back of your eye is removed.
Squints (strabismus) (eye misalignment | crossed eyes)
Vitreoretinal surgery
DCR to treat a watery sticky eye
Cataracts | Cataract repair
Cataracts are the most common age-related occurrence in eyes. The lens becomes thicker and stiffer and appears yellow and cloudy. Eventually it may turn white, changing the colour of the pupil. A cataract may cause your vision to become fuzzy in a progressive fashion and may also be the cause of disabling glare.
Once a cataract affects vision too much, a cataract removal operation is generally advised. This decision is usually made in consultation with an eye specialist. The operation is almost always done under local anaesthetic. A tiny incision is made in your eye and the cataract is broken up into small pieces using ultrasound vibrations. Once all the pieces have been removed, an artificial lens is implanted into your eye. It is relatively short in duration and an overnight stay in hospital is not required. Post-operative care consists of eye drops and a check at 1-2 days then after 2-4 weeks.
This information has been provided by https://www.healthpoint.co.nz, helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services.