New serious eye disease surgery a success
The city’s first surgery using a new technology developed by Chinese scientists to help patients with serious eye injuries was conducted in a local hospital recently.
Previously, such patients may have had to receive repeated surgeries or even have their eyeball removed due to complications.
The first surgery using the technology, which is called Foldable Artificial Vitreous Body Implantation, was announced a success by Shanghai AIER Eye Hospital today.
Inside the eye, there is tissue called vitreous body, a jelly-like tissue that occupies four-fifths of the eyeball's volume and plays a role in supporting the retina and maintaining pressure. The previous treatment for patients with problems in that area was to inject silicone oil into the eye. Since silicone oil can be easily degenerated and emulsified, repeated surgeries are needed.
The new invention solves this issue. It is designed as a “bag”, similar to the natural shape of the vitreous body. Silicone oil is injected through the drainage valve into the "bag" to achieve long-term stability and to maintain the shape of the eye, while avoiding adverse reactions caused by the direct contact of silicone oil.
Since it can be implanted in the eye for a long time, patients needn’t receive repeated surgeries.
“The new technology is expected to completely replace the former treatment to greatly improve treatment effects and patients' life quality,” said Dr Li Wensheng from Shanghai AIER.