LEARN MORE ABOUT VITREORETHYLENE SURGERY
Vitrectomy is the most complex microsurgical operation used to treat diseases of the back segment of the eye such as: bleeding in the eye, detachment of the retina (retinal ablation), macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, rupture (hole) in the macula, etc.
Definition
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure performed by an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon. This surgery removes the vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye.
This surgery is used for certain eye conditions where removing the vitreous will allow the patient to see better and preserve the eye.
It is performed in an operating room, in which the vitreoretinal surgeon, a team of nurses, and an anesthesiologist are present to monitor the patient’s vital functions.
It is most often performed with potent anesthesia, but general anesthesia can also be used if necessary.
In our clinic, vitrectomy is performed with 25 and 27g, which allows for painless and minimally invasive treatment. Recovery is quick and there are no delays or waiting times for surgery.
Candidates
Vitrectomy surgery is performed in patients who are recommended for surgical treatment of the following diagnoses:
- Diabetic retinopathy;
- Wet macular degeneration;
- Macular rupture (hole);
- Macular edema;
- Proliferative vitreoretinopathy;
- Vitreomacular traction;
- Epiretinal membrane;
- Eye injury resulting in bleeding in the eye;
- Patients who have had a retinal detachment (retinal ablation).
Examination
A subspecialist examination is performed, which consists of refractions, determination of visual acuity, measurement of eye pressure, examination of the fundus – examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye.
If necessary, OCT – optical coherence tomography is performed as well as additional diagnostic tests at the request of the surgeon.
After the examination, you will receive a report and the results of the diagnostic examination.
Preoperative preparation
The preparation is started by the nurse, during which the vision, tone and refractive measurement are taken again.
The patient is then transferred to the preoperative block and a medical history is taken. Blood pressure and sugar are checked. Then, in consultation with the ophthalmologist, if necessary, additional diagnostics are performed and the preparation ends with dilation of the pupils.
Patients with chronic diseases, depending on the therapy they are receiving, have special preparations that they are informed about on the day of the surgery.
Once the patient is fully prepared, he or she is taken to the operating room.
Course of surgery/intervention
The anesthesiologist is responsible for monitoring vital signs, ECG, blood pressure, breathing and oxygenation as well as controlling anesthesia.
A holder is placed on the eye itself to hold the eyelids. This holder may be slightly uncomfortable, but it keeps the eye open. During the operation, the patient is conscious and talks to the surgeon.
The surgeon makes incisions through 4 small holes in the white of the eye (less than 1 mm) to remove the vitreous humor in the eye, after which it is replaced with a special gas (which is resorbed over time) or silicone oil. If the patient has ruptures (holes) in the retina, they are repaired with laser photocoagulation.
At the end of the operation, a tamponade with gas or silicone oil is performed, depending on the condition of the retina.
After the operation is completed, the patient is taken to a suite. About half an hour after the operation, the patient goes home (same-day surgery) with a bandage on the operated eye.
After surgery, the patient also receives written instructions about restrictions and postoperative care.
Postoperative care
The first check-up is the day after surgery, at which the dressing is removed. Then, in agreement with the surgeon, subsequent check-ups are scheduled.
The recovery period and normalization of vision is from 1 to 4 weeks.
Normal signs after surgery that may last from several days to weeks:
- Black eye;
- Red, bloodshot eye;
- Swollen eyelids and face;
- Frequent tearing; mucous discharge.
Normal vision symptoms after surgery that may last from a few days to weeks:
- Blurred vision that is getting worse. It is normal for vision to slowly improve over time;
- Opacities (spots);
- Eye irritation (feeling like there is something in the eye);
- Sensitivity to light;
- Double vision;
- Pain in or around the eye, which is worse with eye movement.
Vitrectomy is a successful surgical procedure if performed on time without additional waiting.
Precautions
The restrictions after the intervention are temporary and do not last long and are always in accordance with the surgeon’s recommendation.
The patient is prescribed therapy and is obliged to use it according to the time period specified by the surgeon.
The bandage is removed the next day for a check-up. After 3-4 days, the patient can wash his face, take a bath and perform daily activities. It is necessary to avoid physical exertion.
In case of severe pain in the eye area, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, immediately contact your ophthalmologist or our clinic.
