Dr. Punzal recently flew to O'ahu to get pterygium surgery from Dr. Faulkner at Aloha Laser Vision! Pterygium surgery is a common procedure, yet it's one that many patients may not know about. So we've put together a bit of information about this surgery for you, along with sharing Dr. Punzal's journey both leading up to and through his own surgery.
Pterygium surgery is designed to remove a growth from the eye, preventing further vision impairment and providing relief from symptoms such as irritation and redness. The surgery typically involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, and a sedative may be given to help the patient relax.
Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the pterygium from the conjunctiva and cornea.
Grafting: In some cases, a graft of conjunctival tissue may be placed over the area where the pterygium was removed to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Protection: A bandage contact lens and an eye patch are applied to protect the eye and aid in the healing process.
Dr. Punzal's journey began when he noticed the pterygium on his left eye starting to affect his vision. Pterygium, often referred to as "surfer’s eye," is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that can extend onto the cornea, potentially leading to vision impairment if left untreated. Recognizing the impact on his daily life and professional duties, Dr. Punzal decided it was time to have it removed.
Dr. Punzal's surgery was performed by Dr. Faulkner at Aloha Laser Vision, in Honolulu. The entire process was an outpatient procedure, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Here's a breakdown of the steps that Dr. Punzal took leading up to and during his surgery:
Pre-Op Evaluation: Before the surgery, Dr. Punzal had a thorough pre-op appointment to evaluate the condition of his eye and plan the best course of action for removal.
Surgery Day: On the day of the surgery, Dr. Punzal was given a sedative to help him stay relaxed throughout the procedure. This is a common practice to ensure patient comfort.
Removal of Pterygium: The surgery involved carefully removing the pterygium from the surface of the eye. Once removed, a bandage contact lens was placed over the eye to protect the surgical site, and a patch was taped over his eye to further safeguard it during the initial healing phase.
Sensitivity to Light: After the surgery, Dr. Punzal experienced sensitivity to light for a few days, which is a common side effect. He managed this discomfort by wearing sunglasses, which he always enjoys!
Post-Op Check-Up: The day following the surgery, Dr. Punzal had a post-op appointment to monitor the healing process. The check-up confirmed that everything was progressing well.
Bandage Contact Lens Removal: About a week after the surgery, the bandage contact lens was removed. This step marked a significant milestone in his recovery, allowing his eye to continue healing naturally.
Ongoing Recovery: While Dr. Punzal's eye is still healing, he has returned to work and is feeling great! His experience serves as a testament to the effectiveness and efficiency of the pterygium surgery.
Dr. Punzal's experience with pterygium surgery is a great example for anyone who is looking into or has been recommended this procedure! From the initial decision to the ongoing recovery, effective pre and post-operative care, and the outpatient procedure performed by Dr. Faulkner at Aloha Laser Vision, everything went smoothly and the result was as expected!
Punzal Vision serves as both pre and post-operative care to the community of Kaua'i for many eye related surgeries that can be performed as an outpatient procedure at Aloha Laser Vision, on O'ahu.
If you or a loved one has been recommended pterygium surgery, or is having any eye related issues that you would like to have looked at, please give us a call at (808) 278-8383 to speak with one of our friendly and professional staff members!
We look forward to SEEing you soon!
