Anterior segment surgery

Some eye diseases require microsurgical interventions in the anterior segment of the eye.

Typical diseases: Cataract, glaucoma

Neuroophthalmology

This field comprises neurologic diseases which are accompanied by visual disturbances such as reduced visual acuity, visual field loss, or double vision. They are most commonly caused by lesions in the optic nerve, along the visual pathways, or brain areas that control eye movements.

Typical diseases: optic neuritis, AION, tumors, MS, stroke, head trauma

Strabismus, eye movement disorders

About 5% of the population have a more or less apparent squint, a deviation of one eye. If it occurs during childhood, it can lead to amblyopia - reduced vision in one eye. Prevention of amblyopia by patching one eye is a primary goal. A secondary goal is surgical alignment of the eyes which is usually performed prior to primary school. If strabismus occurs later in life, it leads to double vision which can often be cured by surgery.

Typical diseases: Congenital esotropia, exotropia, vertical strabismus, cranial nerve palsies, orbital diseases

Pediatric ophthalmology

The spectrum of visual problems in children differs considerably from adults. Children may present with inherited diseases or the course of certain disease may differ from adults. We are also specialized in contact lenses for children.

Typical diseases: congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, ROP, retinitis pigmentosa, macular dystrophy, ocular trauma

Plastic surgery

Abnormal eye lid configuration can be inherited or can occur later in life. One of the common problems is ptosis. In most case surgical treatment can improve function and cosmesis.

Typical diseases: ptosis, facial palsy, Graves disease

Orbital diseases

Orbital tumors, trauma, or inflammation can lead to proptosis of the eye ball, double vision, and compression of the optic nerve. Pharmacologic and surgical treatment can improve the situation.

Typical diseases: tumors, metastases, Graves disease, pseudotumor, trauma

Electrophysiology (This lab is run by Prof. Dr. M. Bach)

The function and integrity of the visual pathways can be monitored by various electrophysiologic methods such as electroretinography (ERG, mERG, pERG), electrooculography (EOG) or visually evoked potentials (VEP). With methods several ocular diseases can be ruled out before they become apparent otherwise. Furthermore, these methods are important research tools.