Suns to miss Stoudemire due to eye surgery

Saturday, February 21, 2009 -- Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns had to undergo eye surgery on Friday (20th February 2009). This surgery was performed by Dr Pravin Dugel during which a partially detached retina in the right eye of Stoudemire was repaired. Dr Dugel revealed that on an average, the recovery period is about 8 weeks and as per the individual case this span may get altered. Stoudemire absence from action is a major blow for the Suns. He is the singular Suns player to begin all 53 games and for the third continuous year, he is the leading scorer of the team. He has an average of 8.1 rebounds and 21.4 points per game.

Kerr’s remarks

Steve Kerr, the General Manager of the Suns, remarked that Stoudemire’s long term prognosis is excellent and there is cent per cent probability that his vision would be recovered. However, the team has decided to be ultraconservative regarding this issue and they have accepted the fact that Stoudemire may miss the entire remaining season. Kerr added that Stoudemire has a long life and a long career in the future and this is the most significant issue. Kerr said that Stoudemire was dismayed by this incident. He had just begun to play nicely and was developing a good feeling about things. The entire team had a happy feeling about how the previous couple of games had progressed and now Stoudemire’s absence is obviously a big factor.

Development of the injury

Prior to the game against the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday (18th February 2009) night, Stoudemire was bothered by his eye. In the initial part of this game, he received a blow to his head and this may have intensified his injury.