Vitrectomy is the removal of the jelly-like substance inside the eye called vitreous. This is done because the vitreous can cause several ocular problems that can only be treated by surgically removing it. Vitrectomy is done in the operating room underneath a surgical microscope with the patient laying on their back while under local anesthesia with sedation (where the patient is awake but relaxed and pain-free) or under general anesthesia (where the patient is asleep). Patients generally go home the same day.
Vitrectomy can be necessary in conditions including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachments
- Macular hole
- Macular pucker
- Removal of lens fragments or intraocular lenses after cataract surgery
How It Works
Tiny incisions are made in the eye wall that allow micro instruments such as forceps, fiber-optic lights, or lasers in and out. Also, the vitrector is used to cut and vacuum up the vitreous. Intraocular gas is sometimes used as in a pneumatic retinopexy. Silicone oil is sometimes used instead of gas if a more long-term agent is required inside the eye to support any pathology present. Scleral buckle may sometimes be used in conjunction with pars plana vitrectomy.