Ophthalmology

The Ophthalmology Clinic at the University Medical Center Freiburg offers a broad spectrum of medically expedient services in addition to the services rendered by the health insurances as part of the uniklinik plus package:

• Glaucoma Screening (HRT Examination)
• Cosmetic Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
• LASIK Eye Surgery
• Endothelial Microscopy (Corneal Assessment)
• Laser Retinal Microscopy (OCT Examination)
• Keratometry (Corneal Surface Measurements)

Glaucoma Screening (HRT Examination)

Glaucoma leads to blindness by gradudally damaging the optic nerve. It is therefore important to diagnose glaucoma and changes to the optic nerve early and stop the progression of the disease through appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis can be greatly facilitated using a three dimensional laser scanning and computer analysis (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph or HRT examination) of the optic disc.

The HRT examination only takes a few minutes and dilation of the pupils is not necessary. It is also painless and without risks.

Cosmetic Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

The skin of the eyelids is especially thin and delicate which is why it is predisposed to the aging process. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy lower eyelids associated with the aging process and give the appearance of younger age.

LASIK Surgery

Microscopically monitored LASIK surgery

Short-sightedness (myopia) up to -10 dpt, far-sightedness (hyperopia) up to +4 dpt and corneal irregularity up to 3 dpt can be surgically corrected with LASIK eye surgery at the Ophthalmology Clinic at the University Medical Center. The procedure consists of first creating a flap at the surface of the cornea, then the corneal stroma is remodeled using an Excimer laser. The LASIK procedure is short and is conducted in the ambulatory setting. Pain from the procedure is mild. Good vision is usual on the first postoperative day.

Endothelial Microscopy (Corneal Endothelial Assessment)

It is impossible to see clearly without a healthy smooth transparent cornea. In particular, the inner layer of the cornea is very sensitive and may be weakened by inflammation, long-term contact lenses use and cataract surgery. Impairment of this sensitive layer leads to loss of transparency of the cornea and pain and can only be treated with a corneal transplantation. To be able to take preventive action, it may be advisable to examine the corneal endothelium with a computer-supported specular microscope.

Illustration of a normal and an impaired inner layer of the cornea.

Laser Retinal Microscopy (OCT Examination)

Retina of the eye

The retina which is composed of neurons and organised into ten different layers, absorbs light and transforms it into nerve impulses which is then transmitted to the brain. The ophthalmologist is only able to observe the surface of the retina by conventional examination. The optical coherence tomography (OCT) takes cross-sectional diagrams of the retina and visualises each layer. It is also possible to measure and to evaluate these layers and to predict the changes over time with the aid of a computer. This allows the ophthalmologist to more accurately and thoroughly evaluate the retina. The pupils must be dilated for the OCT examination, however, the examination takes a only few minutes and is without risk or pain.

Cross-section of the retina

Keratometry (Corneal Surface Measurements)

Measurement of the corneal surface

Measurement of the corneal surface enables the optimal adjustment of eye glasses and contact lenses for patients after corneal transplantation or with special cornea defects such as irregular astigmatism. In addition, keratometry is utilised to observe progression of keratoconus (deformation of the cornea) or after laser treatment of the cornea to correct vision (LASIK surgery). The examination is painless and does not necessitate the application of eye drops.

Costs

The prices are in accordance with standard rates of the University Medical Center Freiburg which are based on the German scale of fees for doctors (GOÄ). Prior to any treatment, there will be a consultation with the doctor after which, the patient will make an agreement with the Medical Center regarding the scope of the treatment.

Address

UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM FREIBURG
Universitäts-Augenklinik
Medical Director: Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinhard
Killianstr. 5, D-79106 Freiburg