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Vitrectomy and Retinal Surgery for Retinal Diseases

Vitrectomy Surgery

Vitrectomy Surgeryis a type of eye surgery used to treat various problems of the retina and vitreous . The retinais a layer of cells at the back of your eye. These cells use light to send visual information to your brain. Normally, the vitreous must be transparent so that light can pass through your eye and reach the retina.

Certain problems can cause blood and debris to block this light. In your vitreous, scar tissue can also detach or tear the retina. All these problems can impair vision. Surgeons may sometimes perform vitrectomy for a detached retina. The vitreous is removed to provide better access to the retina and reduce traction on it.
vitrectomy During this procedure, your surgeon (aretinal specialist) cuts and removes the vitreous using small instruments. Other necessary repairs, such as repairing a retinal hole, are then performed. Air or another gas may be placed in the eye to help hold the retina in the correct position.

Why might I need vitrectomy surgery?

If you have one of the following eye problems, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary:

Diabetic retinopathy.
Retinal detachment.
Vitreous haemorrhage.
Infection inside the eye.
Severe eye injury.
A hole in the central part of the retina (macula).
A wrinkle in the central part of the retina.
Certain problems after cataract surgery.

All these conditions can cause vision loss. Untreated, some may even cause blindness. In certain cases, vitrectomy can restore lost vision. Surgery may be needed urgently, for example after an eye injury. In other cases, your ophthalmologist will schedule it in advance.

Vitrectomy may not be your only option.

If you have one of the conditions above, for example diabetic retinopathy , your ophthalmologist may instead recommend laser photocoagulation .
If your retina is detached, meaning you have a retinal detachment , laser treatment or pneumatic

retinopexy may be performed.

However, if you have a complex retinal detachment or your eye condition has caused bleeding into the vitreous , vitrectomy will be necessary. You can discuss the benefits and risks of all your treatment options with our retinal specialist ophthalmologist .