Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen Now Offers Retina Care

Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen is pleased to announce the addition of retina care services for residents of the Lakeway area. Bringing advanced retina treatments closer to home, the hospital’s acquisition of new, state-of-the-art equipment means that patients will no longer have to travel to Knoxville or the Tri-Cities for specialized care.

“Morristown-Hamblen appreciates the opportunity to partner in bringing retinal surgery to Morristown,” said Gordon Lintz, president and chief administrative officer. “Many patients cannot drive long distances, and we are grateful to be able to provide services close to home.”

Retina Care Services at Morristown-Hamblen

Medical and surgical retina services are provided by board-certified ophthalmologists who are fellowship-trained in medical and surgical diseases of the retina. Patients will receive retina care in Morristown-Hamblen’s outpatient Day Surgery unit for a variety of conditions such as:

• Diabetic eye disease
• Macular degeneration (an eye disease that damages the central part of the retina)
• Macular hole/macular pucker (a tear/formation of scar tissue on the retina)
• Retinal detachment/tears
• Retinal vein occlusion (blockage of a retinal vein)
• Uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s middle layer)

Available treatments include:

• Vitrectomies, which treat retinal and macular tears, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions by removing excess vitreous gel from the eye
• Scleral buckles, which are used in procedures to repair retinal detachment

Other retina care services include injections, cryotherapy, laser surgery and Plaquenil screenings. These screenings monitor patients with risk factors for possible retinal damage from a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions.

Investments in Advanced Retina Equipment and Patient Comfort

Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System has invested in advanced retina equipment including:

• a cutting-edge Alcon Constellation surgical device for retina procedures that uses fluid, laser, and ablator technologies. It enables minimally invasive surgeries similar to laparoscopic procedures.
• an advanced Alcon Revalia surgical microscope designed for precision in retina care. Dual oculars (magnifying eyepiece lenses) allow for collaborative care between surgeons.
• a Oculus attachment that enhances magnification within the microscope, providing surgeons with better visibility to treat delicate eye conditions.
• a Cryomatic device for cryotherapy (using low temperatures for treatment) which applies a super-chilled probe to treat retinal tears and other issues.

Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen also has made investments in patient comfort and safety. Because some retina procedures require extended surgical times, the hospital has purchased additional positioning devices for patients’ comfort.

With the addition of retina care services, Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen is meeting an important need in the Lakeway area, giving patients access to specialized retina care without the need for long-distance travel. To learn more about the new retina services at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, visit CovenantHealth.com/Morristown-Hamblen or call 423-492-6026.

About Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen

Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen is a 167-bed hospital serving residents throughout the surrounding eight-county area. The hospital offers comprehensive medical care with six Centers of Excellence, including Morristown Regional Cancer Center, a Women’s Center, Breast Center, Outpatient Surgery Center, an Emergency and Critical Care Center, and the Heart, Lung and Vascular Center. Covenant Health Morristown-Hamblen’s 125-year heritage reflects a patient-focused approach with a commitment to integrity, quality and service to our communities. Visit CovenantHealth.com/Morristown-Hamblen to learn more.