Vitrectomy surgery is done to remove vitreous humor from the eye. This vitreous humor is a gel- like substance, which is clear, and fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball. It is sometimes called the vitreous body, or simply the “the vitreous”. It is similar in composition to the cornea of the human eye, but contains fewer cells, has no blood vessels, and contains almost 100% water with salts, sugar, and collagen with micro amount of protein, which is why vitrectomy surgery only requires a local anaesthetic.
Vitrectomy surgery explained
Vitrectomy surgery is usually performed for most outpatient cases. The patient could go home immediately after the surgery is done; but for certain reasons, the patient should stay in the hospital for about 24 hours, for medical observation. The procedure is started by using local anesthesia while the patient is unconscious or asleep.
The eye will be wide open using a speculum, to hold the eyelids securely, while the other eye that is not going to be treated will be covered. The surgery starts with an incision of 2mm on the other side of the eye, so as to insert an infusion line, to maintain the eye’s constant pressure. After inserting the infusion, another microscopic cutting device will be inserted on the other side of the eyeball, in which it will suck out the vitreous fluid inside. Another microscopic light device is going to be inserted to the upper right side of the eyeball. It is inserted to get a clear visual on what is going on inside the eye, while doing the vitrectomy surgery.
Post vitrectomy surgery
After taking out the vitreous fluid, a special kind of saline solution is used to fill the space where the vitreous fluid is placed. For closing the incisions made through the both sides of the eyeball, small absorbable stitches are used. To prevent the treated eye from having infections, an antibiotic is injected.
Vitrectomy surgery has been performed by many eye specialist surgeons, for over thirty years now, but still, there are several risks to consider. For some reason, there could be a problem about retinal detachment; there is a chance to develop glaucoma caused by increased pressure on the eye, and cataract formation. The patient could experience some redness and pain in the eye, blurred or double vision, swelling of the layers under the retina, refractive changes, and even blindness, all of which will require you to undergo additional treatment or surgery.
After undergoing Vitrectomy surgery, some post-operative instructions and guidelines are needed for fast recovery. To start with, the patient is prescribed with an anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotic drops immediately after removing the eye patch, and the doctor will advise the patient to continuously use the drops for three to seven days. This is to protect the treated eye against infections.
Home recovery after vitrectomy surgery
After vitrectomy surgery, it is strongly recommended to wear an eye plastic protector, while sleeping, so as to avoid sudden movements and accidents. This is done for about one week, and should also be worn while having a shower. It is advisable to avoid lifting objects, or doing tiring or stressful activities. It is very important to have regular visits to the doctor, for a complete follow up after vitrectomy surgery.