What it is
The retina is the specialized layer of nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye, and the vitreous is the clear gel that fills most of the eye in front of it. A vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel through tiny incisions in the white part of the eye (the sclera), giving the surgeon access to treat the retina directly. After the vitreous is removed, the eye is filled with a clear fluid, a gas bubble, or — in more complex cases — silicone oil, depending on what the procedure requires.
Vitrectomy is performed in the operating room as outpatient surgery, almost always under local anesthesia.
When it's used
Vitrectomy is used to treat many retinal conditions, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Macular hole
- Epiretinal membrane
- Vitreous hemorrhage that is not clearing
- Diabetic retinopathy with bleeding or scar tissue
- Vitreomacular traction
- Complications from cataract surgery
- Infections inside the eye
The length of the procedure depends on what is being treated — anywhere from about 30 minutes to several hours.
What to expect
The eye is numbed with a local anesthetic. An anesthesiologist provides intravenous medication for comfort. There is no pain during the procedure. After surgery, a patch is placed over the eye, and you are observed in the recovery area before going home.
After surgery
- The eye will feel mildly irritated and look red for several days.
- Vision is blurred during the early recovery and improves gradually. The pace of recovery depends on what was done; if a gas bubble or silicone oil was placed, vision recovery can take longer.
- Some surgeries require head positioning afterward — your surgeon will let you know if this applies to you.
- No air travel is permitted while a gas bubble is present in the eye. Cabin pressure changes can cause the bubble to expand dangerously.
- Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities (reading, driving) within one to two weeks. Your surgeon will discuss specific activity restrictions with you.