Vitrectomy is a crucial eye surgery designed to treat serious conditions affecting the retina and vitreous. Discover how our listed practices can help restore your vision.
A vitrectomy is a specialized eye surgery aimed at treating conditions affecting the back of the eye, particularly the retina and vitreous. This procedure involves the careful removal of the vitreous gel and the necessary repair of retinal problems that may lead to vision loss. Our eye doctors work with compassion and expertise to restore and protect your vision through this precise surgery.
Vitrectomy holds an important role in managing a variety of serious eye conditions, ensuring light reaches the retina correctly. It offers both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits as it allows our specialists to clearly view, assess, and treat issues that could threaten your sight.
Performing a vitrectomy means having access to advanced microsurgical techniques developed over decades. It’s a common procedure in the United States, with approximately 225,000 vitrectomies done each year, reflecting ongoing advancements in eye surgery.
At its core, a vitrectomy is surgery to remove the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the central cavity of the eye. This substance not only helps maintain the shape of the eye but also provides a clear medium for light to pass through. In a healthy eye, the vitreous remains transparent, allowing light to strike the retina—a layer of nerve cells that converts light into electrical signals for the brain.
However, certain conditions can cause the vitreous to become cloudy or to develop scar tissue. When problems such as vitreous hemorrhage, inflammation, or debris occur, the passage of light is obstructed, and the retina can be pulled or damaged. By removing the problematic vitreous, our eye doctors gain a better view of the retina and can relieve tension that might interfere with proper retinal function.
There are several eye problems that may make a vitrectomy necessary. Our specialists typically recommend this procedure when the damage or threat to your vision from retinal or vitreous issues is significant. Some of the key indications include:
These conditions, if left untreated, can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. Therefore, vitrectomy is often recommended when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you and discuss your vitrectomy options.
During a vitrectomy, our eye doctors use small, precise instruments to remove the vitreous from the eye. Think of the vitreous as the clear jelly filling the inside of your eye—the removal of this gel not only clears any obstruction but also allows the surgeon to work directly on the retina for any necessary repairs.
Once the vitreous is removed, the surgeon may take additional steps, such as:
Every step of the procedure is designed with care and precision, ensuring that the treatment is as effective as possible in restoring or preserving vision.
Before undergoing a vitrectomy, your eye care provider will conduct a thorough examination to evaluate the condition of your retina and vitreous. This usually involves dilating your pupils so that the internal structures of your eye can be viewed in detail using advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound scanning.
Additionally, your specialist will carefully review your medical history and advise you on any medications you might need to stop taking before the surgery. Specific instructions may include avoiding food and drink for a period leading up to the procedure, which helps the anesthesia work effectively.
Preoperative discussions are crucial. You are encouraged to ask questions about why the surgery is necessary, what results to expect, and the potential risks and benefits. Clear communication with your healthcare team ensures that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Vitrectomy is often performed in an outpatient surgery center, meaning you can typically return home the same day. The procedure can be done using either local or general anesthesia based on your specific case and overall health.
Once you are comfortably positioned and the surgical area is prepped with an antiseptic solution, our eye doctors create very small incisions (often about half a millimeter in size) in the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. These tiny incisions allow for the introduction of specialized instruments, including:
Throughout the surgery, a surgical microscope equipped with a special lens offers a magnified, detailed view of your eye's interior. This allows our specialists to effectively repair conditions like retinal tears, detachments, or other issues that may cause vision loss.
In some cases, the surgeon may decide to replace the removed vitreous with a substitute. If a gas bubble is used, you might need to maintain specific head positioning after surgery to ensure that the bubble presses against the retina in the right way. Silicone oil might also be used if a longer-term tamponade effect is necessary; however, this usually requires another surgery later to remove the oil.
During the entire surgery, safety is our top priority. A formal time-out procedure is standard practice, ensuring that the surgical team verifies the correct patient, the designated procedure, and the specific eye to be operated on. This rigorous approach minimizes risks and supports a smoother surgical process.
The eye is numbed with an injection or administered IV sedation (sometimes referred to as twilight sleep), which helps you relax and minimizes any discomfort. Even though you may be awake during the procedure, the careful administration of anesthesia guarantees that you won’t feel pain while the vitrectomy is performed.
Contact us today to find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you and discuss your vitrectomy options.
Vitrectomy is a specialized eye surgery vital for treating retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. Learn about its benefits today.
