What is vitrectomy?

Vitreous; It is a transparent gel-like tissue that fills the central part of the eye. It makes up about two-thirds of the eye's volume and contributes to the formation of the eye's anatomical shape. In diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, vitrectomy surgery, that is, surgical removal of the vitreous gel, may be required. After vitrectomy, the vitreous gel is replaced by an intraocular secretory fluid called humor aqueous.

What is the Purpose of Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy operation can be performed for the purpose of cleaning intraocular hemorrhages, surgical removal of scar tissues and relieving retinal tractions. Bleeding, inflammatory cells and scar tissue impair vision by preventing the reaching light on the retina. In addition, if the vitreous gel creates traction or membrane on the retina and impairs its function, this should be removed with vitrectomy.

In Which Situations Is Vitrectomy Applied?

Eye diseases that often require vitrectomy include:

• Diabetic retinopathy complications such as bleeding and retinal detachment seen in diabetic patients
• Macular hole
• Retinal detachment (tear of retina)
• Epiretinal membranes (membranous structures formed on the retina)
• Intraocular hemorrhages
• Eye injuries
• Infections
• Problems related to previous eye operations

How is a vitrectomy done?

In vitrectomy surgery, with vitrectomy cutter and light probs entered in to the eye through several microsurgical incisions. Necessary surgical procedures are performed after cleaning the vitreous gel with the microsurgery microscope and special lenses that allow visualization of the posterior segment of the eye.

What Should Be Considered After Vitrectomy?

The eye should remain bandaged until the first control after the operation. The bandage should not be removed at least one day after operation. After the bandage is opened, the some antibiotic and cortizone eye drops should be used. In the first days after surgery, eye discomfort, pain, redness and stinging are normal and expected conditions.

When Is Vision Recovery After Vitrectomy?

Anatomical and visual recovery in the postoperative period is related to how the retina of the eye were demaged before the operation. For example; The results are quite positive in intravitreal hemorrhages where the retina is not demaged. In cases where the retina is demaged (for exaple severe diabetic retinopathy), visual recovery may be limited, but in these cases, surgical intervention becomes important, at least in order to prevent the continuation of the pathological process. Especially in cases where the central retina is not affected, vision can reach better levels after the operation.