When Is Vitrectomy Needed?
Vitrectomy may be used to treat various vitreous and retinal conditions. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on the specific condition, its severity and the findings of an eye examination.
What Is Vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure done by a Vitreo-Retinal surgeon for a variety of different conditions. Modern vitrectomy techniques are also known as minimally invasive vitreous surgery (MIVS), with incisions measuring 0.5 mm or less. This means incisions are usually self-sealing and sutureless, therefore reducing postoperative discomfort and recovery time.
How Is Vitrectomy Performed?
Very tiny incisions are made in the sclera (the white of the eye) and microsurgical instruments are then inserted into the eye through these incisions to perform a range of different manoeuvres like removing vitreous gel, peel membranes, deliver laser treatments or reattach retina.
What Is Used to Fill the Eye After Vitrectomy?
The eye may be filled with salt solution, air, synthetic gas, or medical-grade silicone oil at the end of the surgery. Gas will gradually be replaced by fluid produced naturally by the eye over a few weeks to two months, while silicone oil may need to be removed in a later procedure, usually after several months.
The success rate of vitrectomy is very high if the condition being dealt with is diagnosed and treated early by a Vitreo-Retinal eye specialist.
Microsurgical instruments are inserted into the eye through very small incisions which usually require no stitching.
Why Choose Dr. Nikolle Tan as Your Vitrectomy Surgeon?
She has more than 20 years of experience and is a key opinion leader in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure performed at the back of the eye. It may be performed as day surgery under local or general anaesthesia. Like any surgery, it carries some risks, but serious complications are uncommon.
After vitrectomy for certain conditions, such as macular disease and retinal detachment, the eye may be filled with gas or silicone oil. Adopting a specific head position can help support the treatment and recovery.
In some cases, maintaining a specific position during recovery can help support the treatment outcome.You may be asked to lie face down or position your cheek on a pillow. The recommended position and duration vary depending on your condition and type of surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
If gas was used during vitrectomy, avoid air travel until the gas has completely disappeared, as cabin pressure changes can cause the gas bubble to expand and dangerously increase eye pressure.
Your eye surgeon will advise when it is safe to fly again.
Recovery typically takes a few weeks, but the time varies depending on the condition treated and the type of surgery. Vision may remain blurred while gas or other filling material is present, and visual recovery can continue for several months.