perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a clear, heavy liquid used inside the eye during certain retinal surgeries. It helps surgeons gently position and stabilize delicate retinal tissue. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal (retina and vitreous) operating rooms, not as an everyday eye drop or medication. It is typically placed temporarily and then removed during the same operation.
endolaser is a type of laser treatment delivered from inside the eye during surgery. It is most commonly used in vitreoretinal surgery (operations on the vitreous and retina). The laser energy is applied through a thin handheld probe to treat retinal disease or injury. In simple terms, endolaser helps surgeons “spot-weld” or reduce abnormal activity in retinal tissue.
An ILM peel is a surgical step where the internal limiting membrane (ILM) is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. The ILM is the retina’s innermost “thin film” that faces the gel (vitreous) inside the eye. ILM peel is most commonly performed during vitrectomy (retinal surgery) for macular conditions. It is used to reduce traction and help stabilize or improve the macula’s shape and function.
A membrane peel is an eye surgery step where a thin layer of tissue is carefully removed from the surface of the retina. It is most commonly performed during vitreoretinal surgery for conditions affecting the macula (the central retina used for fine vision). In plain terms, it is “peeling off” a film that is wrinkling or pulling on the retina. The goal is usually to reduce traction (pulling forces) and support more stable retinal anatomy.
27-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery performed with very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from inside the eye through tiny openings. It is commonly used to treat problems at the back of the eye, including the retina and macula. The “27-gauge” label refers to instrument size, not a diagnosis.
25-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments. It involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. The “25-gauge” label refers to the thin diameter of the surgical tools and entry ports.
23-gauge vitrectomy is a type of vitreoretinal surgery that uses very small instruments (23-gauge) to work inside the eye. It is most often performed as a pars plana vitrectomy, meaning the surgeon enters through the white part of the eye near the colored iris without going through the cornea. The goal is typically to remove some or all of the vitreous gel and treat problems affecting the retina and macula. It is commonly used in modern retinal surgery because the smaller instrument size can allow smaller incisions.
A trocar is a surgical entry tool used to create a controlled opening into the eye. In ophthalmology, it is most commonly part of a trocar–cannula system for vitreoretinal surgery. It helps surgeons access the back of the eye through the sclera (the white outer wall). You may hear it mentioned in the context of “vitrectomy” and “microincision” eye surgery.
A vitrector is a handheld surgical instrument used inside the eye. It cuts and removes the vitreous gel (the clear, jelly-like material that fills the back of the eye). It is most commonly used during vitrectomy surgery by retina specialists. It may also be used in certain anterior segment procedures, depending on the case.
pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is an eye surgery that removes some or all of the vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat retinal and macular diseases and to clear vision-blocking blood or debris. It can also help surgeons access the retina to repair tears, detachments, or scar tissue. It is performed by a retina specialist (a type of ophthalmologist) in an operating room setting.
A scleral buckle is a flexible band or small implant placed on the outside of the eye. It supports the eye wall (the sclera) to help a detached retina settle back into place. It is most commonly used in surgery for certain types of retinal detachment. It may be used alone or combined with other retinal procedures.
pneumatic retinopexy is a procedure used to help repair certain types of retinal detachment. It involves placing a small gas bubble inside the eye to support the retina. It is most commonly performed by retina specialists in a clinic or outpatient setting. It is typically paired with a sealing treatment such as laser or freezing around a retinal tear.
cryotherapy (retina) is a treatment that uses controlled freezing to affect the tissues at the back of the eye. It is most commonly used by retina specialists to help seal or reinforce areas where the retina is at risk. In plain terms, it creates a targeted “freeze spot” that later forms a firm scar-like attachment. It is often discussed alongside laser treatment and retinal detachment repair.
laser retinopexy is a laser treatment used on the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. It is most commonly used to treat or reduce risk from retinal tears and certain retinal holes. The laser is applied to create a controlled scar that helps “spot-weld” the retina to underlying tissue. It is typically performed in an ophthalmology clinic or outpatient setting.
grid laser is a type of retinal laser treatment that places many small laser spots in a “grid-like” pattern. It is most commonly used in the macula, the central retina responsible for detailed vision. The goal is usually to reduce retinal swelling (macular edema) and stabilize vision-related symptoms. It is performed in eye clinics by retina specialists as an outpatient procedure.
focal laser is a type of retinal laser treatment that targets specific, localized problem areas in the back of the eye. It is most commonly used in retinal disease care to reduce fluid leakage or treat abnormal blood vessels. The treatment is performed in an eye clinic or outpatient setting using a specialized ophthalmic laser system. It is different from laser vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea.
panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment applied to the peripheral retina. It is commonly used to manage retinal diseases that cause abnormal new blood vessel growth. The goal is usually to reduce the risk of severe vision loss from complications like bleeding or retinal detachment. It is most often performed in a clinic-based setting by an ophthalmologist.
A periocular steroid is a corticosteroid medication placed around the eye rather than directly on the eye surface. It is commonly given as an injection into tissues near the eyeball and orbit (the eye socket). The goal is to calm inflammation in and around the eye when drops are not enough or are not practical. It is used in ophthalmology for selected inflammatory and swelling-related eye conditions.
A sub-Tenon steroid is a corticosteroid medication placed into the sub-Tenon space around the eye. It is used to reduce inflammation in and around the eye when drops alone may not be enough. It is most commonly used in ophthalmology clinics for inflammatory eye disease and swelling at the back of the eye. It is not the same as an “in-the-eye” (intravitreal) injection, although both may be used for similar conditions.