Ophthalmology

The Unit performs surgical interventions on the anterior segment, including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplants (penetrating, lamellar, and endothelial techniques), and on the posterior segment, such as retinal detachment repair using ab externo techniques or vitrectomy with or without vitreous substitutes, removal of epiretinal and subretinal bands and membranes, and macular treatments. Additional procedures include strabismus surgery for pediatric and adult patients, eyelid surgery to correct congenital and acquired malpositions (e.g., ptosis, ectropion, entropion), removal of eyelid tumors, and reconstruction following trauma. The Unit also addresses lacrimal duct obstructions in children and adults through nasolacrimal stent implantation, traumatic lacrimal duct reconstruction, dacryocystorhinostomy, and treatment of lacrimal duct infections. Artificial lens surgery is performed with phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) for high myopia unsuitable for excimer laser correction. Laser therapy is used for diabetic retinal lesions, central serous retinopathy, retinal tears, photodynamic treatments, and Nd:YAG laser procedures for glaucoma and secondary cataracts.

Laser therapy is performed for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using state-of-the-art lasers (FEMTOSECOND and ZEISS MEL90 systems).

The Unit provides advanced diagnostic services, including iridography, retinography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, ocular ultrasound and echobiometry, endothelial biomicroscopy, visual evoked potentials, electroretinography, electro-oculography, GLAID testing (for early glaucoma detection), OCT and Angio-OCT imaging, corneal topography and pachymetry, computerized visual field testing, and color sensitivity assessments.

Additionally, the Unit collaborates with the IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness) and the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired to implement awareness and prevention campaigns within the community.

It also undertakes diagnosis, certification, and treatment of rare diseases in collaboration with the Scientific Directorate, serving as a Regional Reference Center for Rare Corneal Diseases and Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Indicators

Approximately 5,000 surgical procedures and over 20,000 outpatient services are performed annually.

Additional Areas of Interest

The Unit collaborates with the Genetics Department in the identification and study of hereditary disorders, primarily keratoconus and corneal dystrophies.

Furthermore, as a member of the Scientific Committee of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Association in Puglia, the Unit contributes to the development of a regional registry.