Department of Ophthalmology

Services and Treatments Offered:

Comprehensive Eye Examination

The department provides thorough eye examinations for all ages, including:

• Visual Acuity Testing: Assessment of distance and near vision using Snellen charts and other diagnostic tools.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: Detailed inspection of the anterior segment of the eye (cornea, iris, lens) using a high-powered microscope.
• Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Using tonometry to screen for glaucoma by measuring the pressure inside the eye.
• Retinal Examination: Fundus examination to evaluate the retina, macula, and optic disc for signs of retinal diseases or conditions.
• Pupil Reaction Tests: Evaluation of the eye’s response to light and accommodation, which helps diagnose neurological or ocular abnormalities.

Refractive Error Correction

The Ophthalmology Department at SMCRI offers effective solutions for refractive errors, including:

• Glasses and Contact Lenses: Prescription of corrective lenses for conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
• Laser Refractive Surgery (LASIK, Femto-LASIK): Advanced laser procedures to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Cataract Surgery with Intraocular Lens Implantation: Removal of the cloudy natural lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), restoring clear vision.

Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment, and SMCRI provides advanced cataract treatment, including:

• Phacoemulsification: A minimally invasive technique where the cataract is broken up with ultrasound and removed through a small incision.
• Premium IOLs: Implantation of intraocular lenses that provide better vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses after surgery.
• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: A precise, laser-based method for cataract removal that enhances the safety and efficiency of the procedure.

Glaucoma Care

The Ophthalmology Department is equipped to diagnose and manage glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Services include:

• Comprehensive Glaucoma Screening: Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing to detect early signs of glaucoma.
• Medical Management: Prescription of eye drops and medications to control IOP and prevent optic nerve damage.
• Surgical Procedures: Advanced surgeries, including trabeculectomy, tube shunt surgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), for managing advanced glaucoma.

Retina and Vitreous Disorders

The retina is crucial for vision, and the Ophthalmology Department offers comprehensive care for retinal and vitreous diseases:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Screening, medical management, and laser treatment for diabetic patients at risk of retinal damage.
• Macular Degeneration: Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to prevent severe vision loss.
• Retinal Detachment: Surgical treatment options, including scleral buckling, pneumatic retinopexy, and vitrectomy to repair retinal detachment.
• Retinal Laser Therapy: Laser photocoagulation for retinal conditions like diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.
• Intravitreal Injections: For conditions like diabetic macular edema and wet AMD, where medications are injected directly into the eye to prevent further vision loss.

Pediatric Ophthalmology

The department provides specialized care for children’s eye health, including:

• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Diagnosis and surgical correction of misalignment of the eyes.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Treatment of amblyopia through patching, vision therapy, and corrective lenses to improve vision in the weaker eye.
• Congenital Cataracts: Early intervention and surgical removal of congenital cataracts to prevent long-term vision impairment.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Screening and treatment for premature infants at risk of developing retinal issues that could lead to blindness.
• Nystagmus: Management of involuntary eye movements that may affect vision, including therapy and surgical options.

Oculoplasty and Eyelid Surgery

Oculoplastic services address a variety of conditions affecting the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit:

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Surgical removal of excess skin or fat from the eyelids to improve vision or for cosmetic purposes.
• Ptosis Surgery: Surgical correction of drooping eyelids that obstruct vision.
• Tear Duct Surgery (Dacryocystorhinostomy): Surgery to unblock tear ducts for patients suffering from chronic tear duct obstruction.
• Orbital Surgery: Surgical treatment for orbital tumors, fractures, and other conditions affecting the bones and tissues around the eyes.
• Cosmetic Oculoplastic Procedures: Treatment for conditions such as excessive tearing, eyelash loss, or cosmetic reconstruction after trauma.

Corneal and External Disease

The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light into the eye, and the department offers specialized care for corneal diseases:

• Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty): Surgical replacement of a diseased or damaged cornea with a donor cornea to restore vision.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes using lubricating eye drops, punctal plugs, and medications to improve tear production.
• Keratoconus: Management of corneal thinning conditions like keratoconus, including corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea.
• Infectious Keratitis: Treatment of corneal infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, with appropriate antibiotics and antiviral medications.

Eye Trauma

The department provides prompt treatment for various types of eye injuries:

• Traumatic Eye Injuries: Evaluation and surgical management of injuries to the cornea, retina, lens, and other parts of the eye.
• Foreign Body Removal: Safe removal of foreign objects from the surface of the eye or from deeper structures within the eye.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Surgical reconstruction for patients with severe eye trauma, including orbital fractures, eyelid lacerations, and damage to the eye’s internal structures.

Low Vision Aids and Rehabilitation

The Ophthalmology Department at SMCRI is committed to helping individuals with low vision achieve the highest level of independence possible:

• Low Vision Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation to determine the extent of vision loss and assess the need for rehabilitation services.
• Vision Aids: Provision of magnifiers, special glasses, and electronic devices to assist with reading, mobility, and daily activities.
• Rehabilitation Services: Training and support for patients with severe visual impairment to help them adapt to their condition and improve their quality of life.