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.

A fluocinolone implant is a tiny device placed inside the eye that slowly releases a corticosteroid medicine called fluocinolone acetonide. It is used to treat inflammation-related retinal conditions by delivering medication directly to the back of the eye. It is most commonly used in retinal clinics for chronic uveitis and certain cases of macular edema.

A dexamethasone implant is a tiny, long-acting device that releases the corticosteroid medicine dexamethasone over time. It is designed to reduce inflammation inside or around the eye and help control swelling that can affect vision. It is most commonly used in retinal care for conditions involving macular edema (fluid-related swelling in the central retina). Some formulations are placed inside the eye, while others are placed in or near the tear drainage system, depending on the product.

An intravitreal steroid is a corticosteroid medicine placed inside the eye. It is used to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup in the retina. It is most commonly used in retinal and uveitis care. It is typically delivered as an injection or a tiny implant in an outpatient setting.

intravitreal injection is a way to deliver medication directly into the vitreous, the gel-like space in the back of the eye. It is commonly used to treat retinal and macular diseases that can threaten central vision. The goal is targeted treatment where eye drops or pills may not reach the retina effectively. It is most often performed in an outpatient clinic setting.

faricimab is a prescription medicine used in retina care to help manage certain causes of vision loss. It is given as an injection into the eye (an intravitreal injection) by a trained eye specialist. It is commonly used for macular diseases where fluid or abnormal blood vessels affect central vision. Indications and dosing schedules can vary by country, clinic, and individual case.

brolucizumab is a prescription eye medication used in retinal (back-of-the-eye) disease care. It is given as an injection into the vitreous, the gel-like space inside the eye. It is commonly used in retina clinics to treat conditions driven by abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage. It works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key signal involved in swelling and bleeding in the retina.

bevacizumab is a medication that blocks a signal involved in abnormal blood vessel growth. It is a monoclonal antibody (a targeted protein drug) originally developed for certain cancers. In eye care, it is commonly used as an intravitreal injection, meaning it is placed into the vitreous gel inside the eye. Ophthalmologists most often use it to treat retinal conditions that cause swelling or bleeding and can threaten vision.