What Is A Vitrectomy?

By Author: Private Practice of Mr Mahi Muqit PhD FRCOphth
Total Articles: 5
Comment this article

A vitrectomy is an eye surgery procedure which is used to treat problems with the retina and vitreous (the gel that gives your eye its shape). During the surgery, the eye surgeon removes the vitreous, replacing it with a solution.

Your retina is made up of a layer of cells, located at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for using light to send images to the brain. Vitreous gel should be clear, enabling the light to pass through the eye, reaching the retina.

Certain eye problems can cause debris and blood to block the light, while scar tissue in the vitreous can pull on your retina, even causing a tear. As a result, this can negatively impact your vision. Vitrectomies are a common surgery for detached retinas. By removing the vitreous the eye surgeon is able to reach the retina, reducing the tension.

A vitrectomy is carried out by the eye surgeon, using small instruments to cut the vitreous and suck it out the eye. After this the eye surgeon is able to carry out any other eye repairs needed, such as repairing a hole in the retina. The vitreous is replaced with a gas or saline, which helps keep ...
... the retina in position and helps your eye keep its shape.

Vitrectomy is often suggested for patients with retinal detachments, severe eye injuries, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, infections in the eye and eye floaters. All of these problems can cause vision loss, some even causing blindness if treatment is not provided. In some cases, this procedure is able to restore some of the lost vision. Patients may be given a vitrectomy as an emergency procedure for an injured eye.

Your eye doctor should discuss the options with you. Vitrectomy may not be your only option. For a detached retina, for example, the surgeon may be able to provide laser treatment instead.

There are risks associated with any surgery you have, whether its a vitrectomy or surgery on another part of the body. The risks associated with this eye surgery include bleeding, infection, retinal detachment, lens damage, cataract formation, problems moving the eye and changes in refractive error. In some rare cases, the surgery doesn't repair the original problem, which means you may need another surgery to rectify the problem.

Get information from your eye surgeon on how the surgery is performed and what to expect. Your doctor may recommend you stay awake or you may have a general anaesthetic. The eye is exposed and a small incision is made, they then cut the white part of the eye and remove the vitreous along with any scar tissue or foreign materials. Any further treatment is carried out at this point, such as repairing a torn retina.

The vitreous gel is then replaced with a gas or fluid and the incisions may be closed with a small disolvable stitch. Before covering your eye with a patch, the surgeon places antibiotic ointment in the eye, which reduces the risk of infection. Most patients are able to return home for their recovery with the surgery being carried out as a day case.

It is imperative that you follow the surgeons instructions regarding your eye care once you return home. You may need to use antibiotic eye drops to reduce risk of infection and recommend over the counter pain medication for any discomfort. You will need to wear the patch for a few days.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com