The Evolution of Retinal Surgery
The history of retinal surgery is compiled of stories of interrelated developments of a vast array of techniques and evolution of technique-driven technology. The first operation attempted for treatment of retinal detachment dates back to 1805 where the "surgeon" drained the subretinal fluid by puncturing the sclera with a knife! After some tweaks, retinal detachment surgery became one of the great success stories in the history of medicine.
Retired retina specialist, Dr. Kenneth Hovland, father of Colorado Retina’s Peter Hovland, MD - will take us back in time, reviewing the original concepts of causes of retinal detachments and provide evolutionary principles of successful repair. Dr. Hovland Sr. will cover major improvements in the technical skills and instrumentation in retinal detachment surgery, including the wide suite of ergonomic disposable microsurgical instruments and lasers that lead to the current status of RD repair.
Dr. Brian Joondeph, one of CRA’s “founding fathers” will close us out with coverage of a variety of retinal surgical repair topics; comparing how we did things during his fellowship year in 1989 to now. Dr. Joondeph will focus on ever evolving surgical logistics for AMD treatment, sub macular surgery, macular hole repair, and ERM; exploring means of improved visualization during surgery, digital 3D technology, advances in the surgical setting, anesthesia, and pre and postoperative care of patients that have resulted in better surgical control for the surgeon and rapid visual rehabilitation for the patient.
Take a trip down memory lane to explore how advances in technology and technique have improved the safety, efficiency and outcomes of retinal surgery.
