VITRECTOMY SURGERY
What is a Vitrectomy Surgery?
Vitrectomy surgery involves microsurgery using very small incisions (less than a millimetre wide) into the eye. It is used to repair retinal detachment, and can clear blood, scar tissues, and floaters from the vitreous cavity. Once the vitreous is cleared, the surgeon may perform additional treatment such as laser and inserting gas or oil into the vitreous to help the retina seal and heal.
What Eye Conditions Does Vitrectomy Treat?
In addition to repairing a detached retina, vitrecomty surgery is performed to treat macular hole, epiretinal membrane, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous and retinal haemorrhages. Other indications include penetrating eye injuries, intraocular foreign bodies, severe vitreous floaters, dislocated intraocular lenses, and severe eye infections (endophthalmitis).
Why Does the Surgeon Put Gas Bubble Or Oil in My Eye?
A gas bubble is often injected during vitrectomy surgery to hold the retina in place and prevent further bleeding. The gas bubble may take from 1 week to 8 weeks to clear, depending on the type of gas used. While the gas is clearing, the vision would be blurry. In some instances, you may need to posture face down and help position the gas bubble. You will be given clear instructions on how long you need to do this.
Can I Fly After Vitrectomy Surgery?
As the gas bubble clears, you will notice a line of gas in your vision and the vision above the bubble will gradually become clearer over time. It is important to note that flying in a plane is not allowed until the gas bubble clears. The pressure in the eye will increase due to high altitude.
However, if silicone oil is used in vitrectomy, you can fly in a plane after surgery. Silicone oil is used in certain cases of retinal detachment which require longer term support than when gas is used. The length of time the oil is left in the eye depends on your condition. Generally, In most cases, the oil may be removed around 6 months.
In giant retinal detachments, a special heavy liquid (perfluorooctane) used in vitrectomy surgery. The heavy liquid helps hold the retina in case and is later removed with a subsequent vitrectomy surgery.
Do I Have Twilight Sedation for Vitrectomy Surgery?
Twilight sedation is safer than general anaesthetic and allows quicker recovery.
Vitrectomy surgery may be performed as an overnight stay or day surgery depending on your condition. Recovery from vitrectomy can be slow and may take several weeks or months for the eye to settle.
Is Vitrectomy Safe?
Vitrectomy is a safe and commonly performed procedure. Success rate for vitrectomy surgery is high but prognosis is variable if vitrectomy is to treat those with trauma, or a history of multiple surgeries and long-standing poor vision. Risks are rare and they include infection, haemorrhage, macular oedema, loss of vision, retinal detachment, and other eye sympathetic uveitis.