Anterior Segment Surgery
The anterior segment refers to the front-most region of the eye, and includes the cornea, iris, and lens. Typically, the phrase “anterior segment surgery” refers to surgery performed on the iris and lens (either natural lens, or synthetic intraocular lens placed during cataract surgery).
It can involve either penetrating or blunt injuries to the eye. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to devastating consequences, such as loss of vision or loss and severe infection. The most important rule is to put the eye back together with minimal delay, and to reform the anatomy of the eye as close to normal as is possible.
Anterior Segment Reconstruction
Anterior segment reconstruction is the medical name for a set of specialized techniques that are used to repair damage to the pupil, iris or lens of the eye.
Anterior segment injuries include injuries to the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and the lens of the eye. Treatment options vary wildly due to the various factors that play a role in any injury. Mild trauma cases such as a small ocular surface foreign body may only require in-office treatment. Whereas extreme cases such as penetrating wounds require emergency surgical closure.
Some of these procedures are most effective when they are performed in conjunction with a corneal transplantation procedure. If performed this way, anterior segment reconstruction can prove to be a very effective and low-risk method to treat severe ocular trauma or the complications associated with a failed surgery, disease, or eye injury.
