What is Vitrectomy Surgery?

Which Diseases is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed For?

Vitrectomy surgery can be performed for many diseases affecting the vitreous and retina inside the eye. The following diseases may require vitrectomy surgery:

⬩Severe eye infections

⬩Eye trauma

⬩Removal of foreign objects inside the eye

⬩Membrane formation on the retina

⬩Macular hole

⬩Vision problems due to diabetes

⬩Retinal detachment

⬩Bleeding inside the eye

Vitrectomy surgery may be performed to address the conditions mentioned above. Additionally, this surgery may be necessary for some patients with age-related macular degeneration. If retinal diseases are not treated and left unattended, vision gradually decreases over time. This leads to a significant reduction in visual performance and may result in permanent vision loss. Reduced visual performance can cause the eyes to shrink, redness, and many other associated problems. The primary reason for recommending vitrectomy surgery is to improve patients' visual performance and enhance their quality of life. This surgical procedure may require different processes for each eye. In some patients, multiple surgeries may be necessary.

Preoperative Process for Vitrectomy Surgery

Vitrectomy surgery involves the application of local anesthesia. Therefore, there are several points that patients should pay attention to before the operation. If patients are using blood thinners, this medication should be discontinued about 5 days before the surgery. Additionally, it is important for diabetic and hypertensive patients to take their medications regularly as emphasized by the doctor.

How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?

Patients must undergo certain measurements before vitrectomy surgery. It is important to check parameters such as EKG and blood pressure. Additionally, patients are given eye drops several times before the operation to dilate the pupils. The operation typically lasts up to 2 hours. However, the specifics of the procedure and the type of disease affect the duration. During vitrectomy surgery, local anesthesia is administered to the patient, but general anesthesia may be used for pediatric patients and rare cases. The operation involves entering the eye, and three incisions are made in the sclera, the white part of the eye.

The surgery begins by inserting a cutting probe or laser through these areas. Anesthesia ensures that the patient does not feel anything during the procedure. The procedures are performed according to the type of disease. Membranes on the retina are peeled or cleaned.

Postoperative Recovery Process of Vitrectomy Surgery

At the beginning of vitrectomy surgery, a tamponade material may need to be used to replace the vitreous gel removed from the eye. These materials can include silicone oil, air, or gas. If silicone oil is used, it should be removed within 6 months post-surgery. If SF6 gas is used, the patient's vision may be reduced on the first day after the operation, but the gas gradually dissipates, and the eye typically returns to normal vision within two weeks. After the operation, the eye is bandaged and closed. The patient can return home on the same day as the operation, but a follow-up examination is necessary the next day. The eye is opened, measurements are taken, and the use of prescribed eye drops begins. Failure to treat retinal diseases in a timely manner can lead to complete vision loss over time.