Vitrectomy

The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately 2/3 of the eye’s volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems affecting the back of the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes aqueous and nutritive fluids.

A vitrectomy may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue, or to alleviate traction on the sclera. Blood, inflammatory cells, debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The vitreous is also removed if it is pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.

Vitrectomy is a type of eyes surgery that treats disorders of the retina and vitreous.

The retina is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.
The Vitreous is removed during vitrec-tomy surgery and usually replaced by a saltwaater solution.

Vitrectomy
The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately 2/3 of the eye’s volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems affecting the back of the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes aqueous and nutritive fluids.

A vitrectomy may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue, or to alleviate traction on the sclera. Blood, inflammatory cells, debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The vitreous is also removed if it is pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.

Vitrectomy Vitrectomy is a type of eyes surgery that treats disorders of the retina and vitreous.
The retina is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The vitreous is the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.
The Vitreous is removed during vitrec-tomy surgery and usually replaced by a saltwaater solution.

Why do you need a vitrectomy?
Your ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) may recommend vitrectomy surgery to treat the following eye problems:
•Diabetic retinopathy, where there is bleeding and scar tissue;
•Some retinal detachment;
•Infection inside the eye;
•Severe eye injury;
•Wrinkling of the retina ( macular pucker);
•Macular hole ( Partial loss of vision for fine details);
•Certain problems after cataract surgery.

How can Vitectomy improve your vision?
Vitectomy surgery often improves or stabilizes your vision. the operation removes any blood or debris ( from infection or inflammation) that may be blocking or blurring light as it focuses on the retina. Vitectomy surgery removes scar tissue that can displace, wrinkle or tear the retina. Vision is poor if the retina is not in its normal position.

The retinal surgeon performs the procedure through a microscope and special lenses designed to provide a clear image of the back of the eye. Several tiny incisions just a few millimeters in length are made on the sclera. The retinal surgeon inserts microsurgical instruments through the incisions such as:

•Fiber optic light source to illuminate inside the eye
•Infusion line to maintain the eye’s shape during surgery
•Instruments to cut and remove the vitreous.
Vitrectomy is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as retinal detachment repair, macular hole surgery, and macular membrane peel. The length of the surgery depends on whether additional procedures are required and the overall health of the eye.

TREATMENT
The retinal surgeon may use special techniques along with vitrectomy to treat the retina. Your surgeon will determine if any of these are appropriate for your eye:

•Sealing blood vessels – Laser is sometimes used to stop tiny retinal vessels from bleeding inside the eye.- A small gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to help seal a macular hole.
•Silicone oil – After reattachment surgery, the eye may be filled with silicone oil to keep the retina in position.
What to expect after surgery

The eye is patched after the first postoperative checkup. This can usually be removed the same evening at bedtime. Since the anesthesia numbs the lids and temporarily prevents blinking, it is very important to keep the eye patch on until you are able to blink the eye normally. Begin using drops after the patch has been removed.

How should the eye feel?
It is common to experience some discomfort immediately after the surgery and for several days afterward. This is primarily related to swelling on the outside of the eye and around the eyelids. A scratchy feeling or occasional sharp pain is normal.
Ice compresses gently placed on the swollen areas (ice or frozen vegetables placed inside a resealable plastic bag work well) reduce the aching and soreness. Tylenol E.S. is also helpful for minor aching.
If you have a deep ache or throbbing pain that does not respond to Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain medication, please call St. Luke’s.
Redness is common and gradually diminishes over time. Some patients may notice a patch of blood on the outside of the eye. This is similar to bruising on the skin and slowly resolves on its own.

When does the vision improve?
Because vitrectomy is performed for many different problems and often in conjunction with other eye surgeries, the recovery period varies with the individual. In some cases, such as macular hole surgery, the surgeon may place a gas bubble inside the eye that places gentle pressure on the macula. This may require special head positioning to keep the bubble positioned correctly.

Dilating drops (red cap bottle) may be prescribed that keep the pupil of the operated eye large, causing be light sensitivity.

Postoperative Instructions
Since vitrectomy is often performed along with other procedures, postoperative instructions may vary. Some general guidelines are provided; however, please consult with your surgeon for specific instructions.

1. Begin using any anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops prescribed by your physician immediately after your eye patch has been removed.

2. Wear the plastic eye shield when sleeping for the first 7 days following surgery. The shield should be worn for the first 3 days following surgery when showering.

3. Avoid bending, stooping, lifting objects over 5 pounds, or any strenuous activity for one week (unless directed otherwise by your physician).

4. Take Tylenol E.S. or gently apply ice compresses to the eye to relieve mild discomfort.

5. Follow any special instructions given by your physician for head positioning (this is not necessary in all cases).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I read or watch TV. after surgery?

A: Yes. Using your eye following surgery will not damage or hurt the eye.

Q: Do I need to wear sunglasses?

A: Sunglasses are recommended for everyone, but are especially encouraged after surgery. We recommend wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Q: How long will my vision remained blurred after surgery?

A: This is dependent on many individual factors such as your overall eye health and the procedures performed along with the vitrectomy. Most patients notice that their vision begins to improve approximately 1 week after surgery.

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