This lecture advances the optometric surgeon from foundational cryosurgical principles to clinical application in periocular and adnexal disease. Emphasis is placed on patient selection, lesion assessment, technique selection, dosing strategies, complication avoidance, and postoperative management. Learners will integrate cryobiologic theory with real-world procedural decision-making to achieve safe, effective, and cosmetically acceptable outcomes while recognizing limitations, contraindications, and medico-legal considerations of cryosurgery in optometric practice.
Learning Objectives:
Upon conclusion of this activity, attendees will be able to:
Identify appropriate indications and contraindications for optometric cryosurgery based on lesion type, location, size, depth, and patient-specific risk factors
Select and apply the appropriate cryosurgical technique (open spray, semi-open, probe, or tweezers) and dosing strategy to achieve predictable lesion destruction while preserving surrounding ocular and periocular structures.
Recognize and manage common intraoperative and postoperative complications of cryosurgery, including edema, blistering, pigmentary change, scarring, infection, and incomplete lesion resolution
Demonstrate sound clinical judgment in postoperative care, follow-up scheduling, documentation, and patient counseling to optimize healing, cosmesis, and long-term outcomes
