Ocular trauma reconstructionGold Coast & Tweed Heads

Dr Weaver treats eye injuries surgically, including repair of the retina, the lens and the front of the eye. For complex injuries, he works with other specialists as needed.

Eye injuries range from minor scratches to severe injuries that threaten the whole eye. Dr Weaver treats injuries to the back of the eye, including:

• A cut or puncture to the eye: a sharp object goes through the wall of the eye. Prompt surgery is needed to close the wound, remove anything left inside, and repair damage to the retina and gel.
• A blow to the eye: this can cause a retinal detachment, bleeding inside the eye, a dislocated lens, a cataract, bruising of the retina or a split in the layer under it.
• Something left inside the eye: metal or other fragments need to be removed promptly. Iron fragments can badly damage the retina if they are left in.
• Retinal detachment after an injury: often harder to repair, because scar tissue can form on the retina.
• Cataract after an injury: the lens bag is often damaged, so the operation needs to be adapted.
• A dislocated lens: an injury can break the fibres holding the lens, so it shifts or falls into the back of the eye.
• Bleeding inside the eye: removed with a vitrectomy if it does not clear on its own.
• Bruising of the retina (commotio retinae): the retina swells and turns white after a blow. It is watched for tears and for effects on the macula.
• Damage to the iris: tears in the iris, a torn iris root, or a pupil that stays large and misshapen, causing glare and light sensitivity.

The operation is planned around the injury. If the eye has been punctured, the wound is closed first. Further repair inside the eye is then planned once the eye has settled, usually 7 to 14 days later, when the risk of serious bleeding is lower.

Repair inside the eye may include:

• A vitrectomy to remove blood, scar tissue and anything left inside the eye
• Repair of a retinal detachment. After an injury this often needs silicone oil, because of scarring and the complexity of the detachment.
• Peeling scar tissue from the retina
• Dealing with a damaged lens: removing it and putting in a lens implant, either at the same time or later once the eye has settled
• A new lens implant when the lens bag cannot support one, usually fixed to the wall of the eye
• Iris repair: fine stitches to close tears in the iris, reattach a torn iris root or reshape a large pupil, which reduces glare and light sensitivity. Iris repair is often done at the same time as a new lens implant or retinal detachment repair.

Metal fragments from high-speed injuries, such as hammering, grinding or firearms, need urgent surgery. Fragments containing iron slowly poison the retina if they are left in the eye (siderosis). Dr Weaver uses fine instruments and imaging during surgery to find and remove fragments while protecting the retina and lens.

Eye injuries at work or during sport may involve WorkCover, insurance or legal claims. Dr Weaver keeps detailed records of your vision, examination and surgery, and can prepare reports for WorkCover, insurers or lawyers when needed.