Vitrectomy

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Vitrectomy Surgery

Overview:

  • Over 30 years of pioneering experience.
  • Approximately 700 surgeries performed yearly at the IMO.
  • Utilizes incisions of less than 1 millimeter.

What is Vitrectomy?

  • A surgical procedure to remove the vitreous (the gel filling the eyeball).
  • Allows direct access to the retina for treatment.
  • Restores or preserves vision in conditions that would previously have led to irreversible blindness.

When is it Performed?

Vitrectomy is indicated for a variety of eye diseases, particularly those affecting the retina:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy.
  • Retinal Detachment.
  • Macular Conditions: Holes, degeneration, or epiretinal membranes.
  • Trauma or Eye Injury.
  • Secondary Complications: Eye inflammation or issues after cataract surgery.
  • High Myopia-related conditions.

Pre-Surgery Tests:

A thorough eye examination is required, often including:

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-definition imaging of the retina.
  • Angiography: Detects fluid loss or blood vessel damage.
  • Electrophysiological Tests: Records electrical stimulation of the retina and visual pathway.

Procedure:

  • How it Works:

    • Removal of the vitreous through small scleral incisions.
    • Instruments include fiber optic lights, irrigation cannulas, and cutting devices.
    • Gas or a gas-air mixture may be injected to assist in retinal repair.

  • Duration:

    • Local anesthesia is used.
    • Surgery lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the condition.

  • Additional Procedures:

    • Parallel surgeries like cataract removal or corneal transplants may be performed if needed.

Postoperative Care:

  • Initial Recovery:

    • Occlusion patches are removed after a few hours.
    • Pain, if present, is managed with eye drops or ointments.

  • Gas Usage:

    • If gas is injected, vision remains poor until the gas is absorbed over weeks.
    • Patients must avoid flying or rapid altitude changes.

Risks:

Although rare, some risks include:

  • Postoperative bleeding.
  • Retinal detachment.
  • Increased intraocular pressure.
  • Cataract development.
  • Infection.

Associated Pathologies:

  • Macular Epiretinal Membrane (MEM).
  • Floaters.
  • High Myopia complications.
  • Retinal Vein Occlusions.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy.
  • Macular Edema.
  • Macular Hole.
  • Retinal Detachment.