Minor Operations
Pterygium removal
Pterygium’s are caused by UV damage to the conjunctiva which is the outer layer of skin covering the eye. An abnormal growth grows slowly over the white of the eye until it reaches the cornea. Once it starts to grow over the cornea it can cause irritation and visual distrubances. It is at this stage that removal is required.
In ptergium surgery, the abnormal tissue is removed from the cornea and sclera (white of the eye). This surgery is performed under local anesthetic in the clinics treatment room or in day surgery. The procedure takes around 45minutes and the healing process takes between 2 to 4 weeks with slight discomfort.
Eyelid cyst
The process of removing an eyelid cyst is performed in the rooms in our fully equipped procedure room. The operation is performed under local anaesthetic, which is applied with a small injection into the eyelid.
The chalazion (cyst) is removed from a small incision on the back of the eyelid, so it is not seen form the outer eyelid. The eyelid is lifted and inverted, a small cut (about 3mm) is made just on top of the chalazion. The lump is then removed and pressure is applied to the eye. Recovery time is minimal and no with no scarring.
Probing and syringing
Probing and syringing is usually a quick procedure where a fine probe is passed through the tear duct to clear the blockage or to widen the tear duct. Sometimes a dye is then passed through to check that the duct is clear. This procedure is performed for patients who experience persistent watery eyes and is carried out in the procedure room.
Removal of lid lesions
Often lesions grow on the lid or lid margins that are quite safe to leave untreated but for cosmetic or visual reasons they are removed. The lid is anaesthetized using local anesthetic and a small wedge section is made in the lid, the lesion removed and the skin is suture if required (depending on the size of the lesion).
The lid will be padded for protection and a review will be done one week later.
Biopsy
If a lesion or lump is seen on the lid or lid margin a biopsy may be necessary to determine the cause. A small section or the complete lesion is removed and sent to an external pathology company for full analysis. The results are usually received in 3 to 4 days and you will be contacted with the result.
