Procedures Performed In-Office

At South Atlantic Retina, every procedure is performed with a focus on precision, efficiency, and patient comfort. We believe patients do better when they understand what is being done and why—so we take the time to explain each step and tailor treatment to the individual.

Many retinal procedures are performed in the office with minimal downtime. When surgery is required, it is carefully planned and performed in a controlled operating room setting.

  • Intravitreal injections deliver medication directly to the retina and are the most common procedures we perform.

    Your eye is numbed with drops, and the surface is cleaned with Betadine to minimize infection risk. In most cases, we gently hold the eyelids open with our fingers rather than using a speculum, which many patients find more comfortable. For certain medications, such as steroid implants, a small speculum is required.

    The injection itself takes only seconds and is typically felt as slight pressure.

    After the procedure, it is common to experience mild irritation or a scratchy sensation. We recommend using artificial tears for comfort. Most patients resume normal activities the same day.

  • Focal laser is used to treat small areas of leakage in the retina—most commonly from diabetic eye disease. The goal is to seal leaking vessels and allow the retina to return to a dry, stable state.

    Only the treated eye is dilated. After numbing drops are applied, a specialized lens is used to precisely deliver laser treatment.

    The procedure typically takes 10–20 minutes and is well tolerated with minimal discomfort. There are no significant side effects in most cases, and many patients are able to drive themselves home afterward.

  • PRP is used to treat advanced diabetic retinopathy by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and preserving central vision.

    The affected eye is dilated, and we often use a headset-based laser system to deliver treatment across the peripheral retina. The procedure typically takes 15–45 minutes.

    Some patients tolerate PRP well with numbing drops alone. If discomfort becomes significant, a numbing injection behind the eye can be administered, making the remainder of the procedure painless. In this case, the eye will be patched afterward for approximately 4 hours.

    Because of dilation and possible numbing injection, you should not drive after this procedure and should plan to have someone accompany you.

    It is important to understand that PRP can reduce peripheral and night vision, but the goal is to prevent more serious vision loss and avoid the need for surgery while preserving central vision.

  • Laser retinopexy is used to treat retinal tears or weak areas before they progress to a retinal detachment.

    After numbing the eye, laser is applied to create a barrier around the tear. This seals the retina in place and prevents fluid from spreading underneath it.

    The procedure is quick, highly effective, and an important preventative treatment.

  • Cryotherapy uses controlled freezing to treat retinal tears or support retinal detachment repair.

    The surface of the eye is numbed, often with a small injection, and a probe is applied externally to deliver the treatment. This creates a strong adhesion that stabilizes the retina.

    Some pressure and soreness afterward are normal and typically resolve within a few days.

  • This is an in-office procedure used to repair selected retinal detachments.

    A gas bubble is injected into the eye, where it rises and presses the retina back into position. Laser or cryotherapy is then used to secure the repair.

    Proper head positioning after the procedure is critical to success, and you will be given very specific instructions. This approach allows certain retinal detachments to be treated without formal surgery.

Two surgeons in surgical gowns, masks, and gloves perform surgery in an operating room, focusing on the patient.