Our Summary

Eye surgery requires a high level of precision and small operating range, and the surgeon must be able to see minute details and respond quickly. This creates unique challenges for surgical robots. However, several types of robots, including the da Vinci robot, the intraocular robotic interventional surgical system, handheld micromanipulators, and co-manipulation robots, have been developed and used in various types of eye surgeries. These robots have proven beneficial in enhancing the precision, stability, and nimbleness of eye surgeries, particularly in procedures involving the ocular surface, cataracts, and retina.

FAQs

  1. What are the unique requirements of ophthalmic surgery that make it suitable for surgical robots?
  2. What types of surgical robots have been used in ophthalmic surgeries and what are their advantages?
  3. How have surgical robots improved the accuracy, stability, and dexterity in ocular surface, cataract, and retinal surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding food and drink before surgery, and to ensure proper post-operative care, including taking any prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for ocular surgery are those with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, corneal diseases, and refractive errors. These patients may experience symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye pain, or loss of peripheral vision. Ocular surgery may be recommended to improve vision, alleviate symptoms, or prevent further vision loss. Additionally, patients with certain eye injuries or congenital eye disorders may also be candidates for ocular surgery.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Consultation with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for surgery, potential risks and benefits, and to answer any questions the patient may have.
  2. Pre-operative testing and measurements to assess the eye’s condition and determine the appropriate surgical approach.
  3. Preparing for surgery by following any pre-operative instructions given by the surgeon, such as fasting before the procedure.
  4. Signing consent forms and discussing anesthesia options with the surgical team.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Recovery in a post-operative area under the supervision of medical staff to monitor for any immediate complications.
  2. Post-operative instructions on how to care for the eye, including the use of eye drops and any restrictions on activities.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress, remove any stitches, and address any concerns or complications.
  4. Gradual improvement in vision as the eye heals, with the final outcome becoming apparent over time.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor for any potential complications or changes in vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery include:

  1. What specific type of ocular surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the success rate for this surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  8. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  9. How will the surgery impact my vision in the long term?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to be aware of following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wang Y, Zhou HF. Journal: Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi. 2022 Sep 11;58(9):727-730. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112142-20220226-00075. PMID: 36069099