WHAT IS VITRECTOMY?
WHAT IS VITRECTOMY?
Vitrectomy, also known as retinal surgery, is the process of removing the vitreous fluid that fills the posterior cavity of the eye by draining and relieving eye disorders by providing access to the retina. Bleeding, infection, scar tissue and foreign materials in the eye are prevented from reaching the retina with vitrectomy surgery, and visual functions that are impaired due to these reasons are restored. By removing the vitreous fluid, the problems that impair vision in the eye and retina are removed and the diseases that impair vision are treated. If these diseases are not treated with vitrectomy, vision problems progress and permanent vision loss and blindness may occur.
For Which Conditions Can Vitrectomy Be Applied?
Vitrectomy surgery is used in the treatment of many vision disorders associated with the vitous fluid in the back of the eye and the retina (the eye’s neural network). Visual ailments that can be treated with vitrectomy:
- Diabetic retinopathy (advanced pathologies in diabetic patients)
- Repair of retinal structure
- Vitreous haemorrhage (intraocular haemorrhage)
- Formation of ruptures in the retinal layer
- Macular hole (hole in the center of vision)
- Macular pucker (wrinkle formation in the visual center)
- Removal of foreign body from the eye
- Eye injuries
- Residue of lens in the eye after cataract surgery
- Infection in the eye after cataract surgery and other eye surgeries
How is Vitrectomy Operation Performed?
Vitrectomy surgery is performed under operating room conditions, under local or general anesthesia. With the help of microsurgery, incisions smaller than 1 mm are made in the eye, and the vitreous gel is primarily cleaned by entering through these incisions. After the necessary surgical procedures are performed, gas, air or silicone substances are injected into the eye in order for the effect of the treatment to continue. When air is injected into the eye, 7-21 days are required for air to be absorbed, and pressure changes should be avoided during this time. If silicone is injected into the eye, this silicone is then removed with a second surgery. Vitrectomy surgery can be performed with or without stitches, depending on the surgical method.
What are the Risks of Vitrectomy Surgery?
In addition to being used in the treatment of many visual defects, vitrectomy surgery also has some risks. The risks that may occur during and after the operation vary according to the general health status of the patient and the degree of the disease that requires surgery. Risks that may occur in vitrectomy surgery:
- Bleeding after surgery
- Detachment of the retina (neural network)
- Loss of vision
- Acceleration of cataract formation
- Occlusion of the retinal vessel
What Should Be Considered After Vitrectomy Surgery?
After vitrectomy surgery, a more comfortable and faster recovery process can be experienced by following the recommendations of the doctor. Following the doctor’s recommendations accelerates recovery and reduces post-operative risks, so it is very important for the success of the surgery. Things to consider after vitrectomy surgery:
- Applying pressure to the eyes should be avoided, the eyes should not be rubbed and care should be taken not to hit the eye.
- After the operation, the eye should remain with tape for a while. In this process, eye patches should be changed daily.
- Providing eye cleaning with sterile materials recommended by the doctor is necessary for infection control.
- Medication, eye drops and pomades prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
- Liquid contact with the eyes should be avoided for 1 week after the surgery, and the eyes should not be washed with water.
- After the operation, the doctor should be checked regularly.
