What Is Vitreo-Retinal Surgery?

Vitreoretinal eye surgery refers to a group of procedures that are done deep inside the eye’s interior. This part of the eye is where the vitreous and retina are found, making vitreoretinal surgeries highly delicate. The purpose of a vitrectomy is to restore, preserve and improve vision for a wide range of conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and detached retinas.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Vitrectomies remove vitreous humor in the eye, which is a gel-like substance that can be invaded by foreign matter. Some of the most common foreign matters include blood from a diabetic vitreous hemorrhage or light passing through, causing distorted vision. When the vitreous humor is removed, the retina specialist injects a saline solution into the eye.

Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia, but it’s possible to use local anesthesia. Since there are three small incisions made in the eye to insert the various instruments and/or lasers, the surgery is most comfortable under general anesthesia.

Each person’s recovery is different, too. Your retina specialist will be able to tell you more about your risks and individual recovery. Most patients use antibiotic eye drops and anti inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and keep swelling down while the eye heals.

What Conditions are Vitrectomies Best For?

Vitrectomies are becoming more common due to the increase in certain age-related eye conditions, but it’s not the best choice for all eye problems. For instance, if you are experiencing floaters or spots that are interfering with your day-to-day life, a vitrectomy would be considered extreme.

The most common reasons an eye specialist will recommend vitreoretinal eye surgery are:

● Retinal detachment
● Macular hole
● Foreign body removal
● Diabetic vitreous hemorrhage
● Epiretinal membrane
● Endophthalmitis

Vitrectomies have high success rates, and you should have your final vision outcome in a few weeks. For most people, sight is either improved or restored. This is a wonderful outcome for those who would otherwise be left with permanent vision loss.