Our Summary

This research paper is about the development of retinal re-attachment surgery, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, during the 1930s and 1960s. A significant breakthrough in the 1930s came when Jules Gonin discovered that closing the retinal break, or tear, was the key to successful retinal re-attachment surgery. Despite the challenges of travel and communication in the 1930s, Australian and New Zealand doctors kept up with these advancements. Dr. J. Bruce Hamilton of Tasmania, who was training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1930, learned about Gonin’s surgical technique, which had just been introduced in Britain. The first successful retinal re-attachment operation in Australasia was reported by Walter Lockhart Gibson in 1931. In the 1960s, Australians introduced two major improvements to retinal surgery: the Schultz-Crock portable indirect ophthalmoscope and the first instrument for closed pars plana vitrectomy, a type of eye surgery. These were developed at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital by Dr Jean-Marie Parel and Professor Gerard Crock, in collaboration with Dr Robert Machemer. Machemer used the instrument when he performed the world’s first closed pars plana vitrectomy in 1971.

FAQs

  1. Who was the first to successfully perform a retinal re-attachment operation in Australasia?
  2. What significant contributions did Australians make to retinal surgery in the 1960s?
  3. Who carried out the world’s first closed pars plana vitrectomy and what instrument did they use?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities, not rubbing or putting pressure on the eye, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to take any prescribed medications as directed and to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to your doctor immediately. It is also important to protect the eye from injury and to avoid activities that could increase the risk of detachment in the future. Following these recommendations can help ensure a successful recovery and long-term success of the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery include those who have a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Other factors that may indicate the need for surgery include the location and size of the detachment, the patient’s overall eye health, and the presence of other eye conditions such as high myopia or previous cataract surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo retinal detachment surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an ophthalmologist after a thorough examination and evaluation of the patient’s individual circumstances.

Timeline

  • Before retinal detachment surgery:
  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, blurred vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision.
  2. Patient will undergo a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist, which may include a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to confirm the diagnosis of retinal detachment.
  3. Ophthalmologist will discuss treatment options with the patient, which may include surgery to repair the detached retina.
  • After retinal detachment surgery:
  1. Patient will have a follow-up appointment with the ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and ensure the retina is properly reattached.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or temporary vision changes in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient will be instructed on post-operative care, which may include using eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
  4. Over time, the patient’s vision may improve as the retina heals and stabilizes, although some patients may experience permanent vision changes or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after retinal detachment surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any special post-operative care instructions?
  5. How long will it take for my vision to improve after the surgery?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve the outcome of the surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing retinal detachment surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  10. What can I do to reduce the risk of retinal detachment in the future?

Reference

Authors: Hadden B. Journal: Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016 Sep;44(7):618-623. doi: 10.1111/ceo.12776. Epub 2016 Jun 9. PMID: 27187199