Vitrectomy

VITRECTOMY

Vitrectomy is the procedure of separating and removing the gel that fills the large space at the back of the eye.

Vitrectomy surgery is an operation performed on the vitreous gel and retina at the back of your eye, using special instruments inserted through incisions smaller than 1 mm.

The most important reasons requiring vitrectomy are;

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment and tears (separation of the eye’s neural layer)
• Bleeding inside the eye
• Wrinkling at the center of vision (macular pucker)
• A hole at the center of vision (macular hole)
• Removal of an intraocular foreign body after an eye injury
• Complication of retained lens fragments inside the eye after cataract surgery
• Endophthalmitis (infections inside the eye after surgery)
• Diabetes and vitrectomy.

As diabetes progresses over time, the rate of eye involvement also increases. Eye problems begin to appear at a significant rate, particularly in typical cases of diabetes lasting more than 10 years. People with diabetes are more susceptible to retinal damage and diseases. Diabetic retinopathy (diabetes affecting the eye) can develop as diabetes progresses and shows itself through certain signs and symptoms. When people with diabetes neglect their periodic check-ups, a condition requiring surgical intervention may eventually develop. With vitrectomy surgery, blood and membranes in the eye are cleared and further loss of the eye’s vision is prevented.

Retinal Detachment (Retinal Separation) and Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is also used for retinal tears. Vitrectomy surgery is used when membranes form in the macula, the area of the eye known as the yellow spot, and when retinal detachment develops due to retinal tears.

Eye Injuries and Vitrectomy

In eye injuries causing bleeding, tears and penetrating wounds, the cornea and retina are damaged. In injuries involving the back of the eye, if conditions such as retinal detachment, bleeding and membrane formation have occurred at the same time, a corneal transplant and vitrectomy may need to be performed together.

What Is the Process Like After Vitrectomy Surgery?

Although the recovery time after vitrectomy surgery varies from person to person, improvement is seen over time and vision gradually recovers. Care after vitrectomy is very important. The doctor’s recommendations must be followed carefully. It is important not to miss follow-up visits and to take medications regularly. In the first days after surgery, there may be discomfort, a stinging sensation, pain and redness in the eye; this is normal. However, patients can usually be discharged from the hospital shortly after vitrectomy surgery. The improvement in vision after the operation may depend on how much the structures that provided vision were affected beforehand.

• After surgery, the eye should be protected from injuries and blows.
• A protective eye bandage may be used for a few days or weeks after surgery.
• Sunglasses must be worn when going out in the sun.
• If silicone oil was placed in the eye during surgery, it usually needs to be removed after 3–6 months.
• For patients who had gas placed inside the eye, air travel is unsafe until the gas is absorbed.

However, in recent years, the sutureless vitrectomy method has been developed. The sutureless vitrectomy method shortens the operation time and the recovery period after surgery, reduces eye surface irritation, and increases the patient’s comfort and ease.