Patient Information

Cataract in a single functional eye represents a unique clinical situation that requires rigorous and tailored management. When a patient has only one seeing eye — the other being non-functional due to trauma, severe retinal disease or deep amblyopia — the stakes of cataract surgery become considerably higher. Dr Julien Gozlan, an ophthalmic surgeon specializing in cataract surgery and retinal diseases in Paris 16, provides these patients with particular attention and care. In this article, we discuss the specific aspects of this situation, the essential preoperative precautions, the course of the procedure, the specific risks and the results that can be expected.

Combined surgery allows both a cataract and a retinal or vitreous condition (epiretinal membrane, macular hole, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, etc.) to be treated in a single operation. It avoids two separate procedures and shortens recovery time, but requires precise planning and choices tailored to each case. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains the indications, procedure, and prognosis of this combined surgery.

Cataract can affect one eye only (unilateral cataract) or both eyes (bilateral cataract), with different visual and practical consequences. Should you have one eye operated on first, both eyes in succession, and at what pace? Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains the specific features of unilateral and bilateral cataract, the recommended interval between the two procedures, and the situations where it is best not to wait too long for the second eye.

An operculated hole is a lesion of the peripheral retina caused by a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). During this physiological process, the vitreous exerts traction on the retina and tears away a small fragment of retinal tissue, called an operculum, which remains suspended above the hole. This lesion is managed either through simple monitoring or preventive laser retinopexy performed in the office; surgery is only indicated in cases of associated retinal detachment. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmologist in Paris 16, explains in this article the mechanisms of formation, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of this peripheral retinal lesion.

Lattice degeneration, also known as lattice retinal degeneration, refers to thin, weakened areas of the peripheral retina, often discovered during a routine fundus examination. It is generally asymptomatic but can increase the risk of retinal tears and subsequent retinal detachment in certain specific situations. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmologist in Paris 16, explains what lattice degeneration is, when it should simply be monitored, and in which cases prophylactic laser retinopexy is truly indicated.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common and potentially severe complication of diabetes. When recurrent vitreous hemorrhages occur or vascular proliferation becomes significant, a vitrectomy may be necessary to save or stabilize vision. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains the role of vitrectomy in diabetic retinopathy, its indications, how the procedure is performed, and the visual prognosis.

Vitreous hemorrhage refers to the presence of blood within the vitreous, the transparent gel that fills the interior of the eye. It often causes sudden vision loss, the appearance of a dark veil, or a «shower of soot» effect. Some forms are straightforward and resolve spontaneously, while others may conceal a retinal detachment or severe vascular disease. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, explains the causes, symptoms, diagnostic examinations (OCT, ultrasound) and treatments for vitreous hemorrhage.

Posterior vitreous detachment is a very common condition after the age of 50. The transparent gel that fills the eye, the vitreous, gradually separates from the retina. In most cases, the phenomenon is benign, but it can sometimes be accompanied by a retinal tear.

During vitreoretinal surgery, the surgeon may fill the eye with an intraocular tamponade on a temporary or permanent basis. This temporary «filling» of the eye is performed using air, gas, or silicone oil, depending on the situation. Dr Julien Gozlan, ophthalmic surgeon in Paris 16, details the main types and their indications.