Dr. Bernard Godley
Retinal Surgery
Galveston, TX
34 years experience male
Locations
UTMB Health Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Galveston, TX
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
UTMB Eye Center
Friendswood , TX
About
Bio
Dr. Godley grew up in Detroit, MI. He attained his undergraduate degree in Biology, <i>magna cum laude,</i> from Brown University and worked in a laboratory on brain pharmacology. Dr. Godley is an <i></i><i>cum laude</i> graduate from Harvard Medical School in Boston and did a medical internship at the Brigham and Women's Hospital . He moved to Iowa City, Iowa to attend ophthalmology residency during which time he rekindled his love of horses and horseback riding. After completing his residency training and fellowships in Medical Retina at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University of London, and Retinal Surgery at the Retina Institute of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, He moved to Texas and was appointed Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. After a stint in building a successful private practice in Dallas, TX, he returned to UTMB and is currently Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology at UTMB and Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. <strong>"Our practice is committed to providing the best evidence-based care in an efficient, patient-centered manner. We will attempt to see consults the same day they are requested."</strong>
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Retinal Surgery
Doctor Q&A
200 Answers
577 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Flashes and Floaters: The classic visual symptoms of retinal detachment are light flashes, floaters, and loss of vision. Someone who experiences these symptoms should see ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Control Risk Factors: The only proven way to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy is to tightly control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. See a medica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
No evidence: The genes your inherit from your parents play the biggest role in determining your susceptibility to amd. There is no direct evidence that taking supp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Yes: Direct blunt force to the eye or force applied to the head can cause a retinal detachment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Reposition Retina: Repairing a retinal detachment involves use of specialized techniques to either remove scar tissue causing a tractional elevation of retina or to clo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It Depends: Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that cause degeneration of the retina and vision loss. Depending on the type, some vision can ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Search Retina Doc: Search retina doctors on healthtap in your area. Alternatively, you can look up pediatric retina specialists at american academy of ophthalmology. Org... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Possibly.: If there is no associated diabetic retinopathy, signs of bleeding or leaking in the retinal layer, then proceeding with cataract surgery is advisable... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It is possible: If the retinal detachment has separated the central part of the retina, which is called a macula-off detachment, the prognosis is worse than when it d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Inherited Disease: Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that cause degeneration of the retina and vision loss. The condition can be inherited in multip... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Reposition Retina: Repairing a retinal detachment involves use of specialized techniques to either remove scar tissue causing a tractional elevation of retina or to clo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Up to 3 weeks: Small wounds are sometimes made in the eyeball during retinal detachment surgery. The eye shield is used to protect the eye while it is still fragile ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Nothing Proven .: Diabetic retinopathy is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It impairs vision because years of high blood sugars damage the fine blood v... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Agree: Macular hole repair with or without a retinal detachment need to be addressed through an internal approach using vitrectomy techniques. Gas, or oil an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Depends on Risk: If you are at risk because you are nearsighted, then yes, you can exercise. If you are at risk because you have had multiple retinal tears, then i wou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Managable: Dr is not curable, but manageable. Tight control of glucose can help prevent or delay the onset of retinopathy. Control of blood pressure and choleste... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Just on one eye: The eye patch is protective for the operative eye only. It is not common nowadays to have both eyes patched if only one eye is operated on.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Control Risk Factors: Tight control of glucose can help prevent or delay the onset of retinopathy. Control of blood pressure and cholesterol are also important factors. It ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Control Risk Factors: Tight control of glucose can help prevent or delay the onset of retinopathy. Control of blood pressure and cholesterol are also important factors. It ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Retina Specialist: This is an ophthalmologist who has specialized training in diabetic retinopathy and other diseases of the retina. Check the website of the american so... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Macular Hole: Macular hole is one of the most common forms of damage to the fovea centralis. The picture to the right shows a circular defect in the center of the r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Use: Use fish oil which is enteric coated, this will avoid the fishy aftertaste.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Seen in Older Adults: Retinal detachment occurs more often as one ages, usually above the 6th decade which is when the vitreous gel begins to collapse. Retinal detachments ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Get Seen: Signs of rd are those seen by examining eye doctor during a dilated examination: subretinal fluid, retinal tear, pigment cells in vitreous, and pvd. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
See Ophthalmologist: You should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist within 48 hours of developing symptoms of flashing lights and new floaters . These symptoms suggest tha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Unclear: Need to know whether you have an rd or just suggestive symptoms to give the best answer. If you really have an rd, best to get seen asap, since condit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
No pain with RD: Signs of rd are those seen by examining eye doctor: subretinal fluid, retinal tear, pigment cells in vitreous, and pvd. The symptoms that a patient e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Hole in Retina: An rd is usually caused by a hole or tear in the retina or from membranes pulling on the retina. If you are referring to an rd after lasik, it is poss... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Depends: It depends on the technique used to treat it, for example it takes at least 2 weeks for laser treatment to reach maximum strength in adhering the reti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
How Long?: The key questions are how long have you had it? Is it recurrent? Have you had a complete prp laser? If you have a bleed and it clears in a few days, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It is possible: It is possible, but there are many factors that can affect the results.Depending on the type and duration of detachment, and the surgical outcomes, it... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Yes: Signs of rd are those seen by examining eye doctor: subretinal fluid, retinal tear, pigment cells in vitreous, and pvd. The symptoms that a patient e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It Depends: Barry: every surgery has risks. It would be helpful to know what the underlying retinal condition is, to balance risks vs. Benefits. The risk of compl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Discuss w/ Retina MD: The most common complication from a vitrectomy is progression of cataract. At your age of 44, that may not be a major factor. Other risks that occur l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
No evidence: Most of the risk of developing amd is genetically determined. There is no evidence that taking supplements prior to developing the signs of amd will p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It Depends: Retinal detachment surgery can involve a range of surgical techniques from an office procedure to operative surgery. Typical recovery ranges from 2 to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Depends: Once the retina has been reattached, it should remain stable. Depending on how the detachment was repaired you may still be susceptible to a recurrenc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Not likely: Possible, but unlikely. If your head movements are extreme during vomiting, it is possible.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Vitreous Floaters: The back part of the eye is filled with clear jelly-like substance called vitreous. As it begins to liquefy over time, some of the fibers and debris b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Retinal Chip: Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that cause degeneration of the retina and vision loss. Depending on the type, some vision can ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Several Options: Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease of the central part of the retina. It is broken down into two types, the "dry" form, which invol... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Higher Risk: Being that near-sighted does pose a higher risk of retinal detachment than someone without near-sightedness. Nonetheless, the risk is still very low. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It Depends: Optometry training is limited compared to a board certified md ophthalmologist. Some optometrists are capable of carefully examining the peripheral re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Seen in Older Adults: Retinal detachment occur more often as one ages, usually above the 6th decade which is when the vitreous gel begins to collapse. Retinal detachments i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
You are not at risk.: Since you are healthy and do not have (and i assume never had) diabetes, then you will not develop diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy results... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It Depends: Your expectations for visual recovery depend on what the condition is that you need the surgery for. As far as what to expect for the surgery itself, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Vision Loss: Signs of rd are those seen by examining eye doctor: subretinal fluid, retinal tear, pigment cells in vitreous, and pvd. The symptoms that a patient e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Twitching: Spontaneous contraction of the muscles around your eye can be due to caffeine intake or stress. Try lowering these and if it doesn't work, see an opht... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
It depends: Vision loss can be due to a number of factors, including retinal detachment. In iowa city, iowa you are fortunate to be close to one of the nation's t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Bernard Godleyanswered
Retinal Surgery 34 years experience
Outpatient Surgery: A retinal detachment can be repaired two ways. First, via an in-office procedure called a pneumatic retinopexy, and second, a more involved outpatient... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
8
Recommendations
239
Thank you notes
Aug 31, 2013
I endorse Dr Godley for his excellent contributions and thoughtful answers to the questions he composes for the HealthTap community.
Sep 5, 2013
A welcome addition to Healthtap who is providing great answers
Aug 30, 2013
Gives knowledgeable, trustworthy answers. Highly recommend.
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Your answer was heart warming. i see i have a good future. I forgot to ask my surgeon this question but now I have new data to ask him next time I see him.
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I have been wearing CL same brand for the past 6 yrs.But I will see dr
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Ive had 8 detached retina surgeries in 13 months.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Harvard Medical School, MA
Graduated 1989MD
Medical/Graduate school
MIT
Graduated 1987MD
Residency
university of IOWA HOSPITAL & CLINICS
Awards
Ron G. Michels Fellowship Award
Paul Beeson Physician Faculty Scholar
Robertson-Poth Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology
Affiliations
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Retina Society
Diplomat,American Academy of Ophthalmology
Publications
Nicotine exposure exacerbates development of cataracts in a type 1 diabetic rat model
Effects of 30-day head-down bed rest on ocular structures and visual function in a healthy subject.
Factors affecting visual outcome after small-incision phacoemulsification in diabetic patients
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