What is Vitrectomy Surgery? Understanding the Basics
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the center of the eyeball, from the eye. During the procedure, the surgeon can also repair the retina, which is the part of the eye that converts light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The vitreous can be replaced with sterile salt water, silicone oil, or a gas bubble to maintain the shape of the eye and keep the retina in place.
The Vitrectomy Procedure
Before the vitrectomy procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to numb your eye. Your eye will be dilated, and an instrument called an eye speculum will hold your eye open for the surgery. Then, the retina surgeon will make an incision in your eye and use small tools to remove the vitreous. When they are done, the surgeon will replace the vitreous with sterile salt water, a gas bubble, or silicone oil. Simpler surgeries may only take an hour, whereas more complicated cases can take longer.
Vitrectomy patients get to go home the same day of the surgery. You'll receive a patch and medications such as eye drops. You'll need a driver for your post-surgery appointment, typically scheduled for the following day.
Are There Complications Involved In a Vitrectomy?
Like any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complications. However, they are rare. Complications may include:
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Cataracts
- Vision loss
What Does a Vitrectomy Treat?
Conditions where a vitrectomy may be necessary include:
- Retinal detachment: A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the eye wall, leading to vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Diabetic retinopathy: When high blood sugar levels damage the retina's blood vessels, it can lead to fluid and blood leakage, as well as the growth of abnormal blood vessels, resulting in symptoms such as floaters, blurriness, distortion, and potential blindness.
- Macular hole: A macular hole is caused by a defect in the center of the macula. It leads to symptoms such as the loss of reading vision. While blunt-force trauma to the eyeball can cause a macular hole, the condition is most commonly attributed to an aging process called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
- Macular pucker: A macular pucker is scar tissue formed on the eye's macula, causing blurred and distorted central vision.
Learn More About Vitrectomy Surgery
A vitrectomy is a relatively common surgical procedure that can treat eye conditions impacting the retina. At the Retina Group of Florida, our expert team can diagnose retinal conditions and perform vitrectomies if necessary. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our many Florida locations.