When Cataract Surgery Involves More than Just Cataract Surgery

POSTED BY ALAN ON JAN 1, 2012 IN BLOG, CATARACT SURGERY, DUKE EYE CENTER

Dr. Carlson

Renowned Ocular Oncologist Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya of the Duke Eye Center successfully removed a pigmented tumor highly suspicious for being a dangerous iris melanoma in a young patient.  Unfortunately, the residual iris opening or iridectomy in combination with a cataract caused the patient significant visual symptoms from glare.  In today’s video, Dr. Alan N. Carlson, Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief of the Corneal and Refractive Surgery Service at the Duke Eye Center demonstrates delicate cataract surgery in combination with repair of the iris defect.  While an endocapsular iris segment is another method for blocking the extraneous light, the McCannel suture technique was chosen as there appeared to be adequate tissue available for apposition using a 10-0 Polypropylene suture on an STC-6 needle.