Wolfe Clinic Ophthalmologist First in Iowa to Use New Surgical Technique
December 13, 2002
Retina patients benefit from small-incision surgery, no sutures, less pain, shorter recovery time
Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Dr. Charles Barnes, an ophthalmologist with Wolfe Clinic, performed the first small-incision, no-stitch vitrectomy surgeries in Iowa on November 13, 2002. This is the first major advancement in surgical retina technique in more than 12 years.
A vitrectomy is performed to remove the vitreous, the jelly-like substance in the back of the eye and to perform any necessary treatments or surgeries inside the eye. The vitreous is replaced with clear fluid, which is naturally replaced by the body over time.
“Traditional surgical techniques have been successful, but this advanced procedure minimizes trauma to the eye and is more comfortable for the patient,” Barnes said. “With traditional techniques, patients had multiple sutures and experienced pain for several weeks after the surgery. Now, the smaller incisions allow the eye to heal without sutures, and patients have much less post-operative pain,” Barnes said.
“Retina diseases are some of the most devastating of eye disorders,” Barnes said. “Seeing my patients have a new outlook on life as a result of having surgery is rewarding.”
Traditional vitreoretinal techniques require the dissection of the conjunctiva (white portion of the eye) and the creation of incisions through which surgical instruments are passed. The instruments are observed through the pupil using a microscope while delicate retinal tissues in the eye are manipulated and dissected. The incisions must be large enough to accommodate the required instruments typically 1 mm in diameter. At the completion of the surgery, the conjunctiva is reattached using sutures.
Using a new technique and smaller instruments (0.5 mm diameter) developed by Bausch & Lomb, surgeons can now perform the same procedure with fewer steps and smaller incisions. To gain access the posterior chamber of the eye, the surgeon inserts three small cannulas (tubes) through which the instruments are inserted. With smaller instrumentation and the new technique, the normal eye anatomy is preserved, post-op inflammation is decreased and most patients do not require sutures and experience less pain after the procedure.
Some of the first and newest advanced techniques in vitreoretinal surgery have been performed by Wolfe Clinic surgeons. In 1968, Wolfe Clinic doctors began using the Xenon arc laser to treat previously untreatable retinal diseases. Today, advanced procedures such as pneumatic retinopexy (placing an air bubble in the eye to hold the retina in place) are reducing the need for traditional surgery and making the restoration of vision for patients with retinal disease more successful than ever before.
In business since 1919, Wolfe Clinic is a recognized regional diagnostic and surgical center offering the broadest range of professional care in the specialties of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. With over 32 locations throughout Iowa, including Marshalltown, Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Wolfe Clinic provides expert eye care and convenience to all Iowans. For more information on the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, laser vision correction, and other ocular diseases, please call 1-800-542-7956. Visit Wolfe Clinic online at www.wolfeclinic.com.
Editor’s Note:
Charles H. Barnes, M.D., earned his Bachelor of Science degree and graduated cum laude in biology, chemistry and German at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He received his doctor of medicine degree in 1988, as well as the History of Medicine Award from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Barnes has been with Wolfe Clinic since 1997.
Dr. Barnes spent his internship at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1988 to 1989. His departmental ophthalmology and visual science residency was carried out at Texas Tech University Health and Science Center in Lubbock, Texas, from 1989 to 1992. His fellowship in retinal medicine and surgery was performed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1992 to 1993.