what is vitrectomy?

Answer 1

Vitrectomy

Overview

The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately 2/3 of the eye's volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems affecting the back of the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes aqueous and nutritive fluids.

A vitrectomy may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue, or to alleviate traction on the retina. Blood, inflammatory cells, debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The vitreous is also removed if it is pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.

Some of the most common eye conditions that require vitrectomy include:

Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as retinal detachment or bleeding

Macular hole

Retinal detachment

Pre-retinal membrane fibrosis

Bleeding inside the eye (vitreous hemorrhage)

Injury or infection

Certain problems related to previous eye surgery

The retinal surgeon performs the procedure through a microscope and special lenses designed to provide a clear image of the back of the eye. Several tiny incisions just a few millimeters in length are made on the sclera. The retinal surgeon inserts microsurgical instruments through the incisions such as:

Fiber optic light source to illuminate inside the eye

Infusion line to maintain the eye's shape during surgery

Instruments to cut and remove the vitreous.

Vitrectomy is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as retinal detachment repair, macular hole surgery, and macular membrane peel. The length of the surgery depends on whether additional procedures are required and the overall health of the eye.

Special Techniques

The retinal surgeon may use special techniques along with vitrectomy to treat the retina. Your surgeon will determine if any of these are appropriate for your eye:

Sealing blood vessels - Laser is sometimes used to stop tiny retinal vessels from bleeding inside the eye

Gas bubble - A small gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to help seal a macular hole.

Silicone oil - After reattachment surgery, the eye may be filled with silicone oil to keep the retina in position.

What to expect after surgery

The eye is patched after the first postoperative checkup. This can usually be removed the same evening at bedtime. Since the anesthesia numbs the lids and temporarily prevents blinking, it is very important to keep the eye patch on until you are able to blink the eye normally. Begin using drops after the patch has been removed.

How should the eye feel?

It is common to experience some discomfort immediately after the surgery and for several days afterward. This is primarily related to swelling on the outside of the eye and around the eyelids. A scratchy feeling or occasional sharp pain is normal.

Ice compresses gently placed on the swollen areas (ice or frozen vegetables placed inside a resealable plastic bag work well) reduce the aching and soreness. Tylenol E.S. is also helpful for minor aching.

If you have a deep ache or throbbing pain that does not respond to Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain medication, please call St. Luke’s.

Redness is common and gradually diminishes over time. Some patients may notice a patch of blood on the outside of the eye. This is similar to bruising on the skin and slowly resolves on its own.

When does the vision improve?

Because vitrectomy is performed for many different problems and often in conjunction with other eye surgeries, the recovery period varies with the individual. In some cases, such as macular hole surgery, the surgeon may place a gas bubble inside the eye that places gentle pressure on the macula. This may require special head positioning to keep the bubble positioned correctly.

Dilating drops (red cap bottle) may be prescribed that keep the pupil of the operated eye large, causing be light sensitivity.

Postoperative Instructions

Since vitrectomy is often performed along with other procedures, postoperative instructions may vary. Some general guidelines are provided; however, please consult with your surgeon for specific instructions.

1. Begin using any anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops prescribed by your physician immediately after your eye patch has been removed.

2. Wear the plastic eye shield when sleeping for the first 7 days following surgery. The shield should be worn for the first 3 days following surgery when showering.

3. Avoid bending, stooping, lifting objects over 5 pounds, or any strenuous activity for one week (unless directed otherwise by your physician).

4. Take Tylenol E.S. or gently apply ice compresses to the eye to relieve mild discomfort.

5. Follow any special instructions given by your physician for head positioning (this is not necessary in all cases).



Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I read or watch TV. after surgery?

A: Yes. Using your eye following surgery will not damage or hurt the eye.

Q: Do I need to wear sunglasses?

A: Sunglasses are recommended for everyone, but are especially encouraged after surgery. We recommend wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Q: How long will my vision remained blurred after surgery?

A: This is dependent on many individual factors such as your overall eye health and the procedures performed along with the vitrectomy. Most patients notice that their vision begins to improve approximately 1 week after surgery.

Answer 2

Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure in which specialized instruments and techniques are used to repair retinal disorders, many of which were previously considered inoperable. The initial step in this procedure is usually the removal of the vitreous gel through very small (~1.4mm) incisions in the eye wall, hence the name "vitrectomy". The vitreous is removed with a miniature handheld cutting device and replaced with a special saline solution similar to the liquid being removed from the eye. A high intensity fiberoptic light source is used to illuminate the inside of the eye while the surgeon works. The surgeon uses a specialized operating microscope and contact lenses, which allow a clear view of the vitreous cavity and retina at various magnifications. The procedure is performed in an operating room under local or (occasionally) general anesthesia. It can often be done as an ambulatory procedure.
Although vitrectomy procedures are sometimes performed through incisions made near the front of the eye, most vitreoretinal surgeons enter the globe through a part of the eye known as the pars plana. This is why the procedure is often referred to as a trans pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV). Entering the eye through this location avoids damage to the retina and the crystalline lens.

See site listed below for a figure that illustrates this.

Answer 3

Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye. It may be done when there is a retinal detachment, since removing the vitreous gel gives your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) better access to the back of the eye. The vitreous gel may also be removed if blood in the vitreous gel (vitreous hemorrhage) does not clear on its own.

During a vitrectomy, the surgeon inserts small instruments into the eye, cuts the vitreous gel, and suctions it out. After removing the vitreous gel, the surgeon may treat the retina with a laser (photocoagulation), cut or remove fibrous or scar tissue from the retina, flatten areas where the retina has become detached, or repair tears or holes in the retina or macula.

At the end of the surgery, silicone oil or a gas (perfluropropane) is injected into the eye to replace the vitreous gel and restore normal pressure in the eye.

Vitrectomy is always done by an eye doctor who has special training in treating problems of the retina.

Answer 4

The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately 2/3 of the eye's volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems affecting the back of the eye may require a VITRECTOMY, or surgical removal of the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes aqueous and nutritive fluids.

Answer 5

What Is Vitrectomy

Answer 6

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