Our Summary

This study is about the significant contributions of Philip Henry Mules, an English eye surgeon from the late 19th century, to the field of ocular surgery. Despite not being widely known, Mules introduced many innovative surgical techniques and tools that are still in use today. These include the Mules’ evisceration operation and the Mules’ ptosis operation, as well as surgical instruments such as Mules’ scoop, Mules’ repository, and Mules’ enucleation scissors. Mules also showed great interest in ocular infections. Despite his relatively short life, his work has had a lasting impact on the field of ophthalmology.

FAQs

  1. Who was Philip Henry Mules?
  2. What are some of the surgical techniques and tools introduced by Mules that are still in use today?
  3. What was Mules’ contribution to the study and treatment of ocular infections?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing ocular surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as avoiding food and drink before surgery and taking any prescribed medications as directed. They may also advise the patient to rest and avoid strenuous activities after surgery to allow for proper healing. Additionally, the doctor may stress the importance of attending all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and corneal diseases. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients with eye injuries, tumors, or other abnormalities that require surgical intervention. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if ocular surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss their eye condition and treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to assess the patient’s eye health and determine the best surgical approach.
  3. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications.
  4. Patient may need to arrange for someone to drive them to and from the surgery center on the day of the procedure.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored by medical staff immediately after surgery to ensure there are no complications.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and blurred vision in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection.
  4. Patient is given post-operative care instructions, including how to care for their eyes, when to follow up with the surgeon, and any restrictions on activities.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  6. Over time, the patient’s vision improves as the eye heals and adjusts to the effects of surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of ocular surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. What are the success rates of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery?
  7. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improved vision or symptom relief?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  9. How soon after the surgery can I resume my normal activities?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Laios K, Charalampakis A, Manes K, Lagiou E, Mavrommatis E, Moschos MM. Journal: Acta Chir Belg. 2019 Jun;119(3):198-200. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2018.1549394. Epub 2019 Jan 24. PMID: 30676278