Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel, a clear substance that fills the inside of the eye.

Vitrectomy is performed to treat various eye conditions, including:

• Retinal detachment: When the retina separates from the back of the eye.
• Macular hole: A hole in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
• Macular Pucker: Scar tissue develops on the macular surface.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes.
• Vitreous floaters: Small spots or clumps that appear in the field of vision.
• Traumatic eye injury: Damage to the eye caused by trauma.

Procedure:

During a vitrectomy, small incisions are made in the wall of the eye to insert tiny instruments to:

• Remove the vitreous gel
• Treat the underlying eye condition, such as repairing a retinal detachment or sealing a macular hole
• Replace the vitreous gel with a clear solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil

 Recovery: 

• Patients typically go home the same day as surgery.
• After surgery, the eye will be covered with a shield or patch.
• Some patients will be required to position their head postoperatively and avoid airplane travel for a set period of time.
• Vision may improve gradually over several weeks or months.
• Patients may experience discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
• Most people recover within a few weeks, although it may take several months for vision to fully improve.