Professor Tom Williamson

Professor Tom Williamson
Ophthalmology
Central London


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Professor Tom Williamson Ophthalmologist
London

MD MBChB FRCS(Glas) FRCOphth

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Professional statement

Professor Tom Williamson is one of the most experienced vitreoretinal surgeons in the UK. Based in London, he has over 25 years' experience in his specialty, and provides high-quality consultancy and surgery from his private clinics. He has worked in the NHS for more than 33 years, working at the prestigious St Thomas' Hospitals in London since 1995. He has an unrivalled clinical academic record in vitreoretinal surgery which has provided him with a genuine international reputation in his field. He is in high demand as an international speaker as a result. Alongside his clinical work, Mr Williamson also devotes time to teaching and training, with his students going on to become international vitreoretinal consultants in their own right. He is the president of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and was previously director of the Eyehope charity, providing teaching, equipment and research in ophthalmology. He has the largest single surgeon data set in vitreoretinal procedures in the UK with over 10,000 operations. Mr Williamson has authored a number of critically-acclaimed books in ophthalmology and retinal surgery, some of which have become the main text internationally for training in this area. He has also published over 170 peer-reviewed articles in medical journals and is an active member in a number of ophthalmological organisations. 

For more information please visit his website www.retinasurgery.co.uk


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 Credentials

GMC: 2937540

 Professional experience

• More than 35 years of experience
• Consultant Ophthalmologist, London Claremont Clinic (present)
• Consultant Ophthalmologist, The Centre For Sight, Surrey (present)
• Consultant Ophthalmologist, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust (1995 - present)
• Consultant Ophthalmologist, Queen Mary's Hospital, Kent (1997 - present)

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 Sub-specialties

• Retinal detachment
• Macular hole
• Epiretinal membrane
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Cataract
• Vitrectomy

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 Positions in public associations

• President, British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS)
• Founder and Director, London Claremont Clinic (2013 - 2016)
• Director of Consultants Eye Surgeons Partnership South London (2007-2017)
• Founder and Director, Eyehope Charity (2007 - 2012)
• Grant application member for Fight for Sight Charity (2010-2015)
• Expert training program inspector for Lifeline Express and World Sight foundation, in China (2012-2013)
• St John’s Moorfields Association member, for the St John's of Jerusalem Charity (present)

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 Teaching posts

• Visiting Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey (present)
• Ophthalmology Training Program Director in London (2010 - 2015)
• Commissioned Trainer, Hong Kong University (2013)
• Commissioned Trainer, Corneal Services Barbados (2015)
• Faculty for the Advanced Vitreoretinal Surgery Course, Duke University, North Carolina, USA, 2017
• Organising committee member for the Vail Vitrectomy Meeting, Vail, Colorado, USA 2019
• Vitreoretinal representative for the Scientific Committee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London, UK, (present)

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 Education

• MBChB, University of Glasgow (1978 - 1984)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (1989)
• Medical Doctorate, University of Glasgow (1995)
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (1988)

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 Publications and conferences

• Author of Vitreoretinal Surgery (Springer, ISBN 978-3-642-31871-9) the premier international text for training in vitreoretinal surgery
• Numerous book chapters including for The Atlas of Clinical Ophthalmology, winner of the best medical text book in the British Medical Association 2005 awards
• Published over 170 publications on clinical topics in vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmology, making him one of the premier opinions in vitreoretinal surgery internationally
• Author of Intraocular Surgery (Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-27988-6, 2016) a text of the fundamentals of ophthalmological surgical technique

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 Prizes and awards

• North of England Ophthalmological Society Medal (2012)
• Commissioned trainer, Hong Kong University, (2013)
• Faculty Member Advanced Vitreous Surgery course, 20th Anniversary, Duke University, NC, USA (2017)
• Invited Speaker, Dutch Ophthalmological Society, 125th Anniversary, Maastricht, Netherlands (2017)

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 Professional membership

• Member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS)
• Member of the European Retina, Macular and Vitreous Society (EURETINA)
• Member of the Gonin Society of Viteoretinal Surgeons
• Member of the American Society of Retinal Surgeons
• Member of the British Medical Association (BMA)

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Languages spoken

  • English

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Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

Cataracts

Cataracts, also known as phacosclerosis, occur when the lens in the eye, whose function is to convert light rays into images on the retina, hardens or ...

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disorder caused by diabetes causing damage to blood vessels of the retina. This defect often causes leakage of fluid ...

Epiretinal membrane

Epiretinal membrane is a fibrocellular tissue which is found on the inner surface of the retina. When this membrane shrinks and wrinkles, it produces ...

Macular hole

A macular hole is a break or tear in the macula, a very small part of the eye located in the centre of the retina. The macula is responsible for cent ...

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the outer membrane of the retina (called the retinal pigment epithelium) separates from the inner layer (sensory retina). This detachment can occur due to various reasons such as strong myopia or degenerative atrophic processes. Where the retina is detached, fluid accumulates between the layers and segment blindness occurs. Two of the most crucial signs that may alert the patient of a detached retina are flashing lights and floaters. Treatment for most patients is surgery. ...

Vitrectomy

The vitreous humour is located between the inner surface of the retina and the posterior surface of the lens. It is a clear, gelatinous liquid formed of 99% water with the remaining 1% being proteins, hyaluronic acid, collagen, chloride, sodium, glucose and potassium. Its function is to protect the retina, making sure its surface remains uniform, ensuring good, clear vision. Sometimes the vitreous humour becomes opaque, causing vision problems. . When this happens, it is necessary to resort to surgery, known as vitrectomy. This involves removing the damaged vitreous, replacing it with a saline solution. The option of surgery is taken only when vision has decreased considerably and prevents the patient from following a normal, everyday life. The risks of vitrectomy are infection, intraocular bleeding and retinal detachment. ...

Amblyopia

What is a lazy eye? Amblyopia, better known as a lazy eye, is a common sight disorder where vision is decreased in an eye, and is not correctable by glasses or contact lenses. The eye suffers reduced vision because the brain is not acknowledging the information sent by that eye properly. It usually manifests in one eye, with the brain choosing to mainly accept visual information from the other, although in certain cases it may manifest as reduced vision in both. It is a childhood disease, so it is highly important that it is corrected during early ages so that it does not end up becoming chronic.   What are the symptoms of amblyopia? Most lazy eyes do not cause symptoms, with many children being unaware that there is a problem, and younger children often being unable to explain what is wrong. Some older children may have difficulty reading, writing, and drawing. Sometimes, the eye may look different, although this is usually a direct symptom of another condition, which may be the root cause of the lazy eye. Such conditions include: The weaker eye may look in a different direction than the stronger one (strabismus) Childhood cataracts Refractive errors, such as myopia and astigmatism Actions such as rubbing the eyes often, winking eyes or constantly blinking eyes are also indications that the child (or adult, in those cases not detected in time) suffers from a lazy eye.   Causes of a lazy eye  The main cause is an underdeveloped nerve pathway from the eye to the brain, formed during childhood. These nerves transmit information from the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) to the brain, which interprets this information as vision. During the first eight years of a child’s life, this connection from the eyes to the brain is built, as the eyes show the brain images, and the brain learns to make sense of them. The brain may not be able to build strong pathways in the following situations: If a low amount of light is entering the eye (caused by cataracts, for example). If the eye is unable to focus light well (refractive errors). Where the images sent by the two eyes aren’t the same (e.g. in the case of strabismus).   Can a lazy eye be prevented? As amblyopia is a predictable and treatable condition, it should be detected quickly. It is advisable that all children have a complete eye exam at least once between 3 and 5 years of age. Parents should watch out for the signs listed above.   What is the treatment for amblyopia? If a lazy eye is a consequence of another condition, that condition must first be treated. Glasses can be used to treat hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, while cataracts will have to be removed to allow light to enter the eye properly. The child must then be encouraged to use the weaker eye to improve its connection to the brain. This can be done by reducing the brain’s reliance on the stronger eye, either by covering it with an eye patch, or temporarily blurring its vision with eye drops. Treatment is usually effective, but gradual, usually taking months to work, and should not be stopped too soon, as progress can be lost. After 7 or 8 years of age, the effectiveness of this correctional treatment is uncertain. ...

Angiography

Angiography is a test to diagnose and treat diseases of the blood vessels. If done by MRI is called resonance angiography. This test can diagnose aneurysms in the aorta, arteriosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries in the neck, diseases in blood vessels of the brain as small aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations, ... ...

Angle closure glaucoma

Angle closure glaucoma, or acute glaucoma, is caused by increased pressure within the eye as a result of the build up of fluid. Symptoms are severe pain, blurred vision and nausea. ...

Aniridia

Aniridia is a hereditary and congenital eye disorder that usually occurs in both eyes and is characterised by the incomplete development of the iris. Although the term aniridia refers etymologically to the absence of iris, the reality is that this condition is when part of it is missing as it has not yet fully developed. As a consequence, vision is impaired, decreasing up to 20% in some cases. In addition, aniridia can lead to various diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts. So far, there is no specific treatment for this disease, so the treatment will depend on the degree of side effects that each patient suffers. ...

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an ocular  imperfection in the curvature of the cornea or in the structure of the lens of the eye, characterized by a different refraction between two ocular meridians, which impedes focus thus distorting vision at all distances. The cornea acts as a lens through which light passes that focuses on the retina, so if the surface of the cornea is not regular in its curvatures, astigmatism occurs because the rays of light are not refracted correctly. There are three types classified according to level: low (from 0.25 dioptres to less than 1), medium (from 1 dioptre to less than 3) and high (greater or equal to 3 dioptres). ...

Blepharitis

The symptoms of blepharitis are sore, swollen eyelids, gritty eyes and increased light sensitivity.

Blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty? Blepharoplasty, or dark circles surgery, is a plastic surgery operation aimed at correcting eyelid defects and deformities, or to aesthetically modify the region around the eyes. It often involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat that accumulates around the eyes with age, causing sagging and the appearance of bags under the eyes.   Why is blepharoplasty done? As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity and the eyelids are no exception. As they stretch, creating excess skin, and the muscles that support them weaken, excess fat can start to collect above and below the eyelids, causing drooping eyebrows and upper eyelids and bags under the eyes. If this excess fat and skin prevents your eyes from opening fully, it can interfere with your peripheral vision, meaning that blepharoplasty may be done to improve vision. However, most cases (particularly operations on the lower eyelids) are performed purely for cosmetic reasons, as the removal of bags and dark circles has the effect of rejuvenating the face.   What does blepharoplasty consist of? There are two ways to perform this surgery: External route: A small cut is made under the eyelashes allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat. It is then sealed by a very fine suture that facilitates skin tightening. Internal route: A small incision is made in the inner part of the lower eyelid, through which fat is extracted. Some surgeons do not even use a suture to close the incision, since this tissue heals easily by itself. The eyes are protected by an orbital metallic strip, which is inserted after the patient is under anaesthesia (local or general, depending on whether the blepharoplasty is part of a longer procedure). The duration of the surgery is usually between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the number of eyelids that will be operated on. Preparation for blepharoplasty Before the blepharoplasty procedure, you will meet with an ophthalmologist and/or plastic surgeon, who will take your medical history and discuss your expectations with you. You will also have to undergo a physical examination, an eye test, and photos will be taken of your eye(s). Smokers will have to stop smoking several weeks before the operation.   Care after blepharoplasty Once the surgery is completed, an ointment will be applied to the eyes to lubricate them and in some cases, a soft bandage. Patients may experience blurred or double vision, excessive production of tears, hypersensitivity to light, discomfort or pain, and some swelling and bruising for a short while after a blepharoplasty. Your doctor may suggest that you take steps such as sleeping with your head elevated higher than your chest for a few days and using cold compresses on your eyes in order to reduce inflammation and bruising. You will be informed if you are required to apply eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated. Oedema and bruising will gradually diminish until it disappears completely and you will begin to look and feel much better. ...

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is an involuntary and repetitive contraction of the orbicularis muscle (the circular muscle around the eye), which causes abnormal movements in the eyelids. This causes various visual disturbances (uncontrollable blinking, forced eye closure, reduced vision), and abnormal neck, head or mouth movements that only disappear while the patient sleeps (facial dystonia). It is one of the most common ophthalmological pathologies and it can be caused by side effects of some medications, neurological disturbances in the central nervous system or lack of lubrication of the ocular surface (causing increased eyelid activity to try to effect even distribution of moisture). Its treatment includes eye protection with sunglasses, the application of lubricating drops or Botox injections to avoid contraction of the orbicularis muscles. ...

Canthoplasty

Canthoplasty is a surgical treatment that is used for medical and cosmetic purposes. Its medical use is to correct lower lid malposition or laxity (due to lower blepharoplasty or trauma). It is used as a cosmetic treatment to create an almond/cat-eye shape or to reduce the effect of fallen eye appearance due to age. ...

Chalazion treatment

A chalazion is an inflammation of the eyelid, it is caused by a blockage in the meibomian gland.

Childhood glaucoma

Glaucoma can be congenital (present from birth) or occur during childhood. It is the build-up of intraocular eye pressure and left untreated can lead to progressive loss of vision.  ...

Coloboma

Coloboma, also known as coloboma of the iris, is a hole in the iris of the eye. Most are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. In most cases the cause is unknown but sometimes it can occur due to eye surgery, trauma or genetics....

Colour blindness

Colour blindness or colour vision deficiency is a chronic condition and usually inherited, in which the eyes do not have the ability to see certain colours or differences in colour. There is no cure for this condition, but there are alternative treatments to live with the problem without drawbacks. ...

Congenital glaucoma

Glaucoma in children is a congenital or inherited condition, it usually becomes apparent in the first year of life.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucosa lining the layers of the eyelids, the anterior face of the eyeball and the sacs of the eye. The basic function of the conjunctiva is to protect the surfaces it covers, so when an infection occurs, it tends to become inflamed. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness, and a burning ensation in the eye, as well as yellow or green rheum. These symptoms also happen very frequently in cases of allergy. The treatment of conjunctivitis includes the application of eye drops or gel, in addition to a thorough cleaning of the area with sterile saline or warm water that has been previously boiled. ...

Cornea

The cornea is the transparent outermost layer of the eye. It acts as a lens covering the iris and is responsible for refracting light, it is essential to proper vision. ...

Cornea guttata

Cornea guttata is an ocular pathology that is characterised by the appearance of droplet-like protrusions in the cornea. A lesion in the cornea, which is the main part of the eye for a clear view of the objects, it causes loss of visual acuity. It is a condition that worsens over time and for which, except in very advanced cases, treatment is not necessary. When cornea guttata prevents patients from living a normal life, they can have a cornea transplant, which is a very common and simple procedure as it is not necessary to treat all the cornea but only that affected part. ...

Corneal cross-linking

Corneal crosslinking is to treat the cornea with ultraviolet radiation to strengthen it and stop keratoconus deformation. In keratoconus, the cornea weakens and tends to shrink. It is the main way to treat this disease and can prevent the need for corneal transplantation.. The procedure is carried out under topical anaesthesia, riboflavin eye drops are applied to the cornea and a focused beam of ultraviolet rays. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and at the end of surgery, the patient must wear a soft contact lens. The results last from 3 to 10 years and the treatment can be repeated. ...

Corneal transplant

Corneal transplantation, also known as penetrating keratoplasty, is the total or partial replacement of the cornea, the clear outer lens on the front of the eye responsible for providing vision. This is one of the most common transplants and is done with the cornea of ​​a recently deceased donor, and whose eyes have been previously analysed to ensure their validity for transplantation. Corneal transplantation is performed when severe vision problems occur due to various dysfunctions in the cornea. The corneal transplant procedure is minimally invasive and involves removal of a small piece of the cornea and the placement of the new over the old cornea by suturing. ...

Corneal ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. The cause is usually an infection by bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite. Other causes include severe dry eyes, severe allergic disease, eyelids that do not close well or foreign bodies in the eye. The treatment depends on the cause but in cases of a severe ulcer it is sometimes necessary to perform a corneal transplant. If the corneal ulcer is not treated, it can lead to loss of the eye, a considerable loss of vision or the appearance of scars on the cornea....

Dacryocystorhinostomy

Dacryocystorhinostomy is a surgical operation for treating blocked tear ducts. During surgery, a new drain line is created with tissue from the patient. When the nasolacrimal duct no longer functions properly, the flow of tears into the nose is recovered using the lacrimal sac. ...

Dark circles

The treatment for reducing the appearance of dark circles around the eyes involves the injection of collagen or hyaluronic acid to the affected areas. Given the delicacy of the eye area, it is a complex but mostly pain-free treatment, although local or topical anaesthesia can be used to reduce patient discomfort. The treatment can be applied to both men and women of all ages and it is a very effective and satisfactory way to beautify that area of the face. It can be used to treat dark circles, bags and sunken circles that make faces look dull, old and tired. The results are immediately visible from the first session but to achieve the desired effect, some cases may require two to three sessions. Furthermore, the lasting effects of the surgery will depend on the patient and the amount of collagen or hyaluronic acid injected and an improvement session can be carried out once a year. ...

Diplopia (double vision)

Diplopia, or double vision, is a condition of the eyes that causes you to see two of everything.

Dry eyes

Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a shortage or lack of lubrication to the eye. This is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology and is caused by an alteration in the tear film, causing discomfort and itching, eye dryness, grittiness and difficulty with opening the eyes in the morning. According to the degree of dryness, this condition is classified as light, medium and severe. In some cases, it is a consequence of other diseases, so treatment will be closely linked to how the initial ailment is being treated. If this is an isolated condition, the most common treatment is to “replace” the tears which provide the lubrication. Artificial tears are applied to the eyes as a salve in drops form. ...

Exophthalmos (bulging eyes)

Exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, is the projection of the eyeball outward, and may occur in one or both eyes. It is usually associated with hyperthyroidism and can become very serious if the optic nerve is compressed. ...

Eye cancer

Eye contact can affect the eyelids, the eye and the orbital socket. Eyelid tumours are usually benign but should be regularly monitored in cases that are not. Intraocular tumours include melanoma (the most common in adults), retinoblastoma (most severe during childhood) and choroidal haemangioma (benign but it spreads rapidly and can impair vision). Orbital tumours are less common and have specific causes. About 50% of retinoblastomas are congenital and eyelid tumours are related to sun exposure. Most ocular tumours are initially asymptomatic and may go unnoticed. Eyelid tumours are manifested by the appearance of lumps or lesions causing eye discomfort Orbital tumours are manifested by pain or ocular abnormalities, decreased vision or movements of the eyeball (proptosis or exophthalmos). ...

Eye examination

What is an eye examination?  An eye examination is a series of tests which are usually conducted by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), or other professionals such as optometrists. There are different types of eye examination to assess different parts of people's vision, and it is recommended that all people should have periodic eye examinations to check eye health and detect any potential abnormality or disease.  What should I expect during an eye examination?  If you go in for an eye exam, you can usually expect these basic steps: Giving a medical history and describing any problems in vision, if applicable Having your visual acuity (sharpness, acuteness) measured to check if glasses or contact lenses may be needed Having your eye pressure measured Getting your eye health checked, using lights shone in particular places on the eye to examine both the front and the inside Other tests may be performed during the examination, such as the reading of an eye chart, a cover test to check the alignment of the eyes, or an examination of the retina. Your ophthalmologist will advise the tests they wish to perform, and explain the steps as they perform them. After the examination they will explain what they have found, and answer any questions you may have.  How can I prepare for an eye examination? If you wear contact lenses or glasses, make sure to take them with you when you go to the appointment, so the doctor can check if your prescription is accurate. Depending on the type of test performed, you may wish to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards, as certain tests can cause a little discomfort or blur vision. Other tests dilate the eyes, so you may want to have sunglasses at the ready, as bright lights can be uncomfortable after this type of exam.  Why is an eye examination performed? Eye examinations should be performed regularly as part of routine health checks. This means the doctor or professional can see differences in your eyesight, check for any abnormalities, and correct any vision problems. A healthy adult with no vision problems should expect to have eye tests every 5-10 years whilst in their 20s and 30s, every 2-4 years from age 40-54, every 1-3 years from age 55-64, and evey 1-2 years after the age of 65. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, this means you should have your eyes tested more frequently. You also may need more frequent eye tests if there is a history of eye disease in your family, or if you suffer from a chronic illness or disease which puts you at greater risk of developing some kind of eye disease (such as diabetes).    ...

Eye floaters

Floaters are small dots, circles, lines or cobwebs that appear in one's sight. They are caused by the formation of tiny bits of gelatine in the vitreous humour, the liquid part of the eye. This is a fairly common condition after cataract surgery and quite common in myopic patients, and also occurs as people age. It also causes a very uncomfortable feeling, and in some cases, it may be a symptom of a more serious eye condition, so it is absolutely advisable to visit a specialist as soon as symptoms occur. Although there is no cure for floaters, the ophthalmologist will advise the most appropriate treatment depending on the patient. ...

Eyelid malpositions

Eyelid malpositions can occur for various reasons and are relatively frequent. Along with being considered unsightly, they can lead to vision and eye problems that could become serious. ...

Facial paralysis

Facial paralysis is a condition that causes partial or complete motor paralysis of the facial nerve and, therefore, of the facial muscles. The symptoms of this disease include inability to perform certain movements such as smiling, moving the eyes or eyebrows etc.  ...

Fuchs' dystrophy

Fuchs’ dystrophy is characterised by a reduction in the number of endothelial cells that form the inner layer of the cornea. Their function is to maintain good transparency and process water that forms the structure of the cornea. Therefore, when they are reduced, water is not processed properly and, fluid accumulated, causing the corneal tissue to becomes thicker and loose its crystalline transparency. As a consequence, the vision is blurred and other problems can occur, such as scarring of the cornea. If this happens, a corneal transplant is necessary, whereby the affected cornea is replaced by a healthy endothelium from a donor. ...

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes progressive loss of nerve fibres in the optic nerve, whose proper functioning is essential for clear vision. Its various causes include vascular diseases and high blood pressure. As it is a degenerative disease, early diagnosis is important. In this regard, experts advise regular checks for those over 40 years of age, although the age of risk for glaucoma is generally 60+. Although the impaired vision cannot be recovered, the progression of glaucoma can be prevented by reducing intraocular pressure. This can be achieved, with the administration of drugs, laser techniques or non-invasive surgery, depending on the needs and condition of the individual patient. ...

Glaucoma surgery

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye conditions, and surgical techniques are often used to correct the issue. The operation is usually done on an outpatient basis, with a local or general anaesthetic. Surgery is one of the treatment options for glaucoma. Other options are topical eye drops or laser treatment. ...

Glaucoma surgery - MIGS

MIGS glaucoma surgery is a term for a number of interventions, techniques and devices that lessen intra-ocular pressure. MIGS stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and the techniques are usually safer and with a quicker post-operative stage. ...

Hyperopia (farsightedness)

Farsightedness, known as Hyperopia, is an eye disorder in which distant objects are seen clearly but close objects are fuzzy close. People with hyperopiaperceive in different ways. Some people may not have any problems with their vision, especially when they are young, but others with a high degree of farsightedness, experience blurred vision both at a close and far distances. . In patients with hyperopia, the image is viewed from behind the retina instead of directly on it as with, emmetropic (normal vision) patients. The continuous effort of trying to focus on objects up close can cause symptoms such as eyestrain, itchy eyes and headaches. ...

Intravitreal injection

An intravitreal injection administers medication to treat eye conditions and vision problems. The medication is injected into the back of the eye, near the retina, into the vitreous humour. Drops are applied to dilate the pupils, the eyes and eyelids are cleaned, and then a liquid anaesthetic is delivered in drops. The medicine is then injected with a small needle.The procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes. An intravitreal injection is usually done in cases of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion. Although there are minimum risks, it is possible that the patient may feel pressure, but no pain. There may also be some light bleeding or floaters, but these will improve with time ...

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (front of the eye, in front of the pupil and iris). It is usually easy to cure without complication, although sometimes the condition may affect deeper layers of the cornea and cause ulcers, which can be serious. The main symptoms are severe pain in the eye, redness of the anterior pole, tearing and photophobia. ...

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a variation in the conical cornea caused by the evolution of collagen fibres creating a bulging shape. Besides being a condition that changes the appearance of the eye, it is usually accompanied by high astigmatism, blurred or distorted vision. There are various treatments for keratoconus. It can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but it is also possible to affect a change in the corneal curvature with a very safe surgical procedure to implement intra-corneal rings. Crosslinking is another common treatment which uses the application of riboflavin, a substance that sensitises the collagen and prevents the increase of keratoconus For more severe cases, the only solution is a corneal transplant. ...

Keratoprostheses (artificial cornea)

This is a surgical treatment where an artificial cornea is inserted to replace a damaged or diseased one.It is usually undertaken if a donor cannot be found or has not been successful., ...

Lens Replacement

Intraocular lenses are transparent artificial lenses used to replace the natural lenses of the eyes when they are damaged. The eye lens is responsible for receiving light rays which carry images, so when the lens is damaged, vision is impaired. Replacing it with an intraocular lens restores normal vision. Normally, intraocular lenses are made from flexible and pliable material and are the same size as the natural lens. The intraocular lens is generally implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. ...

Low vision

Low vision is vision loss that is not improved by conventional lenses or surgery. Vision loss can cause problems for everyday tasks, and often requires psychological support to prevent the patient from falling into depression. ...

Macular degeneration (AMD)

The macula is the part of the eye responsible for providing clear vision. Macular degeneration, also known as AMD, occurs with ageing. This is a fairly common condition in people over 60 years of age and can occur in varying degrees, In some cases, it can be imperceptible but it can also be more virulent causing progressive and total loss of sight. Although there is still no definitive treatment to repair the effects of macular degeneration, it is important to make an early diagnosis to slow its progression; it has been found that consumption of antioxidant vitamins and zinc can contribute to this. ...

Macular oedema

Macular edema is an eye disease that causes accumulation of fluid in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for providing a clear and sharp vision. It is a very sensitive and important area of ​​the eye, when this fluid accumulation occurs vision is lost and distorted way objects are observed. It can also affect only certain parts of the eye or the whole macular area. It is a pathology associated with diabetic patients because it is a major visual impairment sufferers. Treatment is to seal fluid leaks in the macula, which can be done by laser surgery or therapy intraocular injections. Both techniques provide very good results. ...

Myopia

Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is an ocular abnormality. A dysfunction in the retina causes difficulty with long range vision. Although close range vision is normal, obstacles at a distance are blurred. There are many degrees of myopia: for example, high myopia exceeds 6.5 dioptres. The most common treatments are glasses and contact lenses, but increasingly, patients are opting for laser surgery, the application of which depends on the characteristics of each eye. The procedure consists of modifying the surface of the cornea, correcting the dioptre affected. For the most severe myopia, a procedure to implant intraocular lenses, whose function is the same as the eyes’ natural lenses, is an option. ...

Neuro-ophthalmology

Neuro-Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that analyses the pathologies of the neurological structures of the eye. It evaluates the functionality of the visual analysis system and field of vision by carrying out optical tomography tests....

Nystagmus

Nystagmus is the constant, uncontrolled movement of the eyes caused by spasms in the skeletal muscles of the eyeball. The involuntary rapid eye movements can be in different directions: horizontal, vertical, rotary, etc. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, it is associated with a defect in the functioning of brain areas responsible for movement control. It can be a symptom of other diseases, so each case should be examined by a specialist, giving special emphasis to the inner ear and nervous system. The use of contact lenses can slow the movements down thereby improving vision, but although drugs and surgery have been tried, for now there is no definitive cure. Depending on the cause, nystagmus may disappear. ...

OCT (optical coherence tomography)

OCT is a high resolution intravascular diagnostic technique. It is used to study the inside of the coronary arteries and the inside of the macula and retina. The macular OCT or optical coherence latomography is a test that allows the diagnosis and monitoring of macula and retina problems. Pathologies in which it is performed: macular degeneration (AMD) Glaucoma macular oedema Serous central choroiditis epiretinal membrane macular holes magna or pathological myopia This technique does not cause discomfort to the patient and does not require prior preparation. A microscopic study of the tissues of the eye is carried out using an infrared laser beam. ...

Ocular hypertension

Ocular hypertension is the term to describe an increase in pressure in the eye. Anyone can suffer this condition however people with eye injuries, eye diseases, on certain medications, and diabetics are more inclined to develop ocular hypertension. Symptoms are not always visible so it is very important to perform eye examinations as a means of prevention of disease. Ocular hypertension can be treated with medication to reduce eye strain and prevent damage to the optic nerve and to reduce the risk of glaucoma thus avoiding the permanent loss of vision. ...

Ocular melanoma

Ocular melanoma is a form of cancer that affects melanin, the cells that produce pigment in the body. Despite being a rare disease, it is the most common type of cancer that occurs in the eyes. It can affect all parts of the organ, especially those less detectable, so it is essential eye examinations are undertaken regularly. Treatment depends on the degree of development in melanoma when detected, but there are two main types: radiation therapy, which aims to stop the growth of melanoma or, if possible, eliminate it; and ocular melanoma surgery, in which the tumour is removed, unless it is too large (which would require complete removal of the eye and an implant). ...

Oculoplastics

Oculoplastics concerns the pathologies and other aesthetic or functional problems affecting the structures surrounding the eye: the orbital socket, eyelids, and tear ducts. Essentially cosmetic surgery for the eyes, the treatments used most frequently are blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, the application of Botulinum Toxin Type A and other aesthetic medical procedures. The first aims to eliminate the tired look through the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. The second consists of applying micro injections of the toxin (Botox ™) as a muscle relaxant to reduce or eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, sides of eyes, crow’s feet and frown lines. This technique is performed in a doctor’s office (or cosmetic clinic) and does not require admission to hospital. ...

Open angle glaucoma

This is the most common form of glaucoma and tends to build up slowly over years. It happens when the eye is correctly positioned but does not drain properly, causing a build up of pressure. Treatments can be topical, surgical or by laser. ...

Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve that can manifest on the nerve’s surface and internally, which is why it is sometimes difficult to diagnose. Since this is a disease that affects the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain, it can cause visual loss and injury to the sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the eye. This condition’s causes include autoimmune diseases, respiratory viral infections, and, especially, multiple sclerosis. Consequently, recovery is closely linked to improvements in the root cause of the optic neuritis. Recovery can also be achieved through corticosteroids administered orally or intravenously. ...

Orbital cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, particularly the eyelids, eyebrows and parts of the cheeks. This condition is often caused by a sinus infection where the virus spreads to the aforementioned areas. It most commonly occurs in childhood and it is essential it is treated properly to ensure treat without causing damage that can be maintained in adulthood....

Paediatric ophthalmology

Paediatric ophthalmology is the area of medicine that deals with the eye and its diseases in children, from birth through adolescence. Since some eye diseases begin to show symptoms at these ages, it is very important to consider childhood ophthalmology as part of their general health care. Among the most common conditions are lazy eye and strabismus. Also, if any of the family of the patient has congenital diseases associated with vision, early checks and follow-ups are a necessity. ...

Presbyopia

Presbyopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common condition caused by ageing of the eye lens, which appears especially from 40 to 45 years. More specifically, it is a hardening of the lens, one of the most important parts of the eye for good vision, and which is responsible for focusing images on the retina so objects are seen clearly. Presbyopia causes a distorted view of nearby objects, affecting the close-up view. This condition can be corrected with the use of glasses or contact lenses and surgery. The latter will depend on the patient’s age, the state of the lens and the eye defect. There are two surgical options: the use of lasers, and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (artificial lens implants). ...

Pterygium and pinguecula

Pterygium and pinguecula are two abnormal lumps in the conjunctiva of the eye that often emerge because of excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. That’s why doctors stress the importance of protecting the eyes from the sun. Specifically, pterygium appears as fleshy tissue on the cornea. Its size may vary, and accordingly, the treatment can range from applying eye drops to surgery. Pinguecula emerges as a yellowish bump on the white of the eye. In the case where it does not grow over the cornea, it does not usually require any specific treatment unless it affects vision, in which case it would need to be removed by surgery....

Ptosis (droopy eye)

Ptosis is the drooping of the eyelid as a result of relaxation of the muscles that hold it. This is one of the most common eyelid malpositions, and can occur in patients of all ages. There are numerous causes, from injuries to neurological factors. They all cause difficulty in vision, so it is necessary to surgically intervene to repair the tendon or muscle shortening. Various surgical techniques exist and the option will depend on the eye condition of each patient. ...

Retina

The retina is to be found inside the eye, it receives light which is then interpreted as images by the brain.

Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is when the veins carrying blood away from the retina become blocked.

Retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is considered a serious eye condition and is the most common hereditary degenerative retinal condition. Progression causes decreased vision due to the death of photoreceptors, the retina cells and it can end up causing blindness. Its first symptoms are lack of capacity to adapt to the dark (nocturnal blindness) and a decreased visual field, causing tunnel vision. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen, so it is important to know how the disease developed in close relatives to understand how it will affect the patient. Although there is currently no specific treatment for this disease, consumption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients may help slow its evolution. In addition, vision therapy is advised; exercises monitored by an ophthalmologist to improve the visual conditions of the patient. ...

Retinopathy

Retinopathy is the common name of any non-inflammatory disease of the retina, the innermost layer of the eyeball responsible for receiving and sending visual images from the eye to the brain. That is why the term encompasses a range of conditions, but the most common is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs due to elevated blood glucose levels in these patients. The symptoms are not evident during the early stages of this type of retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss, so it is important that diabetics undergo regular eye examinations. Its main treatment is photocoagulation, laser surgery to repair abnormal blood vessels that have been manifested in the retina. Another common condition is blood in the vitreous humour. When bleeding has been severe enough to warrant surgical treatment, a vitrectomy is performed. ...

Second medical opinion

What is a second medical opinion? A second medical opinion is when you consult with a doctor that is not your regular doctor about a potential diagnosis and/or treatment plan. There is no legal right to a second opinion, however, it is rare for a doctor to refuse. Why would you get a second medical opinion? Patients may consider a second medical opinion if they are facing a new diagnosis or recommended treatment because sometimes this can feel confusing and a second opinion can put their mind at ease. In addition, there are certain situations where a second medical opinion is sought after: Potential treatment is risky and could be life-changing or the diagnosis is possibly life-threatening The diagnosis is not clear-cut If you are considering a new treatment approach that is experimental The aims of obtaining a second medical opinion are: To confirm whether a diagnosis is correct and/or appropriate. To confirm whether a suggested treatment is correct and/or appropriate. To compare information received from each doctor so that you can make an informed decision – sometimes a second medical opinion can rule out the need for a potentially unnecessary invasive procedure. Possible disadvantages of seeking a second medical opinion include: The process can delay the start of treatment. Logistically, seeing another specialist might be difficult and possibly time-consuming. It might be stressful to hear the same diagnosis again. How would you seek a second medical opinion? You can request a second medical opinion from your GP or consultant, but before doing so it is recommended that you ask for as much clarification and explanation about the initial diagnosis and treatment, before seeking a second opinion. Obtaining a second medical opinion does not mean that the second doctor will then take over – if that is what the patient decides, then this needs to be agreed formally between doctors and hospitals.  ...

Secondary glaucoma

Glaucoma is considered secondary when it has an underlying disease or condition. It can also be of the open or closed variety.

Strabismus

Strabismus is also known as cross eyes and is a deviation in the line of sight of the two eyes, meaning they do not align with each other when looking at an object. While one eye looks towards a particular object, the other goes off in another direction. This problem affects sight and aesthetics. Occurring at an early age, it is crucial that action be taken as quickly as possible to avoid other eye and visual ailments. To treat this disorder there are multiple techniques including alternating eye patches, use of special glasses, a toxin injection to temporarily paralyse muscles or surgery. This is recommended only in extreme cases and is to avoid eye strain by strengthening or weakening, as appropriate, certain eye muscles. ...

Stye

A sty is an inflammation and infection of a hair follicle of the eye. It forms into a minor bump on the edge of the eyelid, at the base of the lashes, in the so-called gland of Zeiss or Moll’s gland. It is not serious but is a painful condition. The cause is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. They are especially common in children....

Thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease in which the cells that protect us from infections or other aggressive agents act defectively, attacking different organs or tissues of the body such as the thyroid and eyes. For example, with hyperthyroidism (excessive or out of control hormone production), inflammation of the eye may occur or there is an increase in pressure behind the eyes. This can lead to protruding eyes (proptosis), misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) and dysfunctions in the eyelids where, in severe cases, visual disturbances occur. Tobacco and stress are risk factors for developing hyperthyroidism. Treatment includes endocrine control, steroids or, in more severe cases, surgery. ...

Trabeculectomy

The most common glaucoma treatment, a trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure which involves draining part of the eye to relieve pressure. A trabeculectomy is the most common surgical procedure used in the treatment of glaucoma. The specialist will make a small incision to remove part of the eye's trabecular meshwork to relieve pressure in the eye. ...

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye formed by the choroid, ciliary muscle, and iris, which surrounds the interior of the eyeball. This area of the eye has the most concentration of blood vessels in the entire body so it is very sensitive and prone to infections and inflammation. Accordingly, this raises the potential of vision loss, so it is very important to treat uveitis as soon as possible. Its causes include infectious, autoimmune, bone and rheumatic diseases, and trauma. Symptoms of uveitis vary depending on the part of the uvea that is affected. If it affects the posterior part of the uvea, vision loss occurs, whereas if it affects the anterior part of the uvea, it causes blurred vision, eye pain, redness and photophobia. Treatment depends on the location: in the case of anterior uveitis inflammatory eye drops are used; in the case of posterior uveitis, cortisone is administered orally or through injections around the eye. Immunomodulatory drugs are administered when the disease is associated with a chronic condition. Surgery is only usually preferred if there are associated complications such as glaucoma or cataracts. ...

Vision therapy

Optometric vision therapy is a technique for children based on eye exercises to optimize and improve various vision dysfunctions. It should be a personalized treatment for each child. It is prescribed for those children who have suffered any ocular pathology and any refractive error, and those with visual dysfunctions that cause poor school performance. Vision therapy works to correct deficient dysfunctions related to eye movements, focusing problems and correcting bad habits of reading and writing caused by problems with vision....

Visual impairment

Visual impairment can have many causes, either congenital, degenerative, due to disease or trauma.

Watery eyes

Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, is a condition where there is an overflow of tears onto the face. It is very common and can develop at any age, although it is more common in babies and people over the age of 60. It may affect one or both eyes and usually manages to get better without any treatment or, if need be, it can easily and effectively be treated.   What causes watery eyes? The causes of watery eyes are: Blocked tear ducts Some people are born with underdeveloped tear ducts and it is normal for newborn babies to have watering eyes, which clear up as the ducts develop. In adults and older children, the most common cause is blocked ducts or ducts that are too narrow. Narrowed ducts are a result of swelling or inflammation. If the tear ducts are blocked, the tears will build-up and not be able to drain. The build-up of tears in the tear sac increase the risk of an infection, meaning the eye will produce a sticky liquid.     Overproduction of tears Eyes that become irritated may produce more tears than normal. The eyes can become irritated by a number of factors, including; some chemicals, such as fumes, infective or allergic conjunctivitis, an injury to the eyes, such as a scratch or from grit, from the eyelashes growing inward or to the lower eyelid turning outward. Other causes of watering eyes can include an infection of the cornea (keratitis), an open sore to form on the eye (corneal ulcer), styes, Bell’s palsy, dry eyes, allergies such as hay fever and the use of certain medications.   Treatment of watery eyes In mild cases of watery eyes, the doctor may recommend doing nothing except monitoring progress. Depending on the cause of watering eyes, there are different treatment options. For watery eyes caused by an irritation, if it does not clear up by itself then a course of antibiotics may be necessary. For blocked tear ducts, surgery may be required to create a new channel between the tear sacs to the inside of the nose. The surgical procedure is called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).   Home remedies for watering eyes It is recommended to take a break from reading, computer or phone screens. There are eye drops available to purchase over the counter at a pharmacy to keep the eyes lubricated. Holding a warm, damp cloth over the eyes may help to release any blockages also.   ...

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Source: All information contained on this page as well as office hours available, are provided directly by the doctor who has the ability to update them at all times in order to keep the information as accurate as possible.
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