Surgical Services - Retina-Vitreous Surgeons of CNY
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RVS Surgical Services

In-office Treatment

Depending on the level of severity of your eye disease we may need to perform an in-office procedure to help preserve your sight. We are outfitted to be able to perform in-office therapeutic procedures in all of our offices. The latest equipment is available to perform Injections, Laser Surgery, and Photodynamic Therapy, among other treatments that may be needed for your condition. All of the in-office procedures can be performed with topical numbing eye drops or local anesthesia. Since your eye will be dilated for the procedure we strongly recommend that a driver accompany you to the office on the day of your procedure.

Treatment in the Operating Room

Some retinal disease can become so severe that it needs to be treated in an operating room. The most common type of procedures that are performed in an operating room environment are Vitrectomy Surgery and the placement of a Scleral Buckle.

At RVS we realize that any operation can be both emotionally and physically stressful. In some cases retinal surgery needs to be done as quickly as possible in order to preserve vision further adding to the stress. Our staff and physicians make every effort to make your experience as pleasant as possible and minimize your stress at every stage of your procedure. We have a wonderful working relationship with Crouse Hospital where most of our surgery is performed. We work very closely with the anesthesia staff who have extensive experience dealing with eye surgery patients. Typically your procedure will be performed using a local anesthetic along with sedation, however occasionally patients do require a general anesthetic.

What do I need to know before my surgery?

In order to prepare for your surgery, we have prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Remember: It is important that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the day before your surgery. The hospital will call with specific instructions on what medications you should and should not take on the day of the surgery. If you are instructed, take your usual medications with a small sip of water the morning of the surgery.

Because you will have some sedation for your surgery, you will feel drowsy for a few hours after the procedure. You will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the surgery, to allow the effects of the sedation to wear off.

You will have a follow-up appointment the day after your procedure. At that time, specific instructions regarding your drops and any restrictions will be reviewed. You will typically then be seen 1 week later and several times thereafter during the first 2 months after surgery.