Vitrectomy Surgery
State-of-the-art surgical intervention to treat complex retinal conditions, protect your vision, and repair retinal detachments or macular holes.
What is a Vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a highly specialized surgery to remove the vitreous gel that fills the middle of the eye. This provides the retina specialist direct access to the back of the eye to repair the retina, remove scar tissue, or clear blood that is blocking vision.
Why is it Performed?
Vitrectomy is often a vision-saving procedure used to treat severe eye conditions, including:
- Retinal Detachment: When the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: To clear bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) or remove scar tissue.
- Macular Holes or Puckers: Repairing defects in the central part of the retina.
- Severe Eye Trauma: Removing foreign objects or treating severe infections (endophthalmitis).
The Procedure
Our retina specialists use advanced micro-surgical instruments to perform vitrectomies through tiny, self-sealing incisions (often stitchless).
During the surgery, the vitreous gel is suctioned out. The surgeon then repairs the retina using a laser (photocoagulation). Finally, to hold the retina in place while it heals, the eye is filled with a temporary gas bubble or silicone oil.
Recovery & "Face-Down" Positioning
Recovery from a vitrectomy requires strict adherence to your surgeon's instructions.
Important Post-Op Instructions:
- Face-Down Positioning: If a gas bubble was used, you MUST maintain a face-down position (looking at the floor) for 1 to 2 weeks so the bubble presses correctly against the retina.
- No Flying: You cannot fly in an airplane or travel to high altitudes while the gas bubble is in your eye, as changes in cabin pressure can cause severe damage.
- Use all prescribed anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops exactly as directed.