A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat various problems with the retina and vitreous. During the surgery, your surgeon removes the vitreous and replaces it with another solution. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the middle portion of your eye.
The retina is a layer of cells at the back of your eye. These cells use light to send visual information to your brain. Normally, the vitreous should be clear, so light can pass through your eye and reach your retina.
Certain problems can cause blood and debris to block this light. Scar tissue in your vitreous can also displace or tear your retina. All of this can impair vision. Surgeons sometimes do a vitrectomy for a detached retina. Removing the vitreous gives better access to your retina and decreases the tension on your retina.
During vitrectomy, your surgeon (an eye doctor called an ophthalmologist) uses small instruments to cut the vitreous and suction it out. Then your eye doctor does any other needed repairs, like repairing a hole in your retina. He may place air or other gas into your eye to help the retina stay in its proper position.
Why might I need a vitrectomy?
You might need a vitrectomy if you have one of the following eye problems:
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Infection inside your eye
• Severe eye injury
• A hole in the central part of your retina (macula)
• A wrinkle in the central part of your retina
• Certain problems after cataract surgery
All of these medical problems can cause vision loss. If not treated, some of them can even result in blindness. In some cases, vitrectomy can restore lost vision. You might need a vitrectomy done in an emergency — an eye injury, for example. In other cases, your eye doctor might schedule your vitrectomy in advance.
What are the risks of vitrectomy?
Most people do well with their vitrectomy, but complications do sometimes happen. Your risks may depend on your age, your medical conditions, and the specifics of your eye problem. Some risks of the procedure include:
• Infection
• Excess bleeding
• High pressure in the eye
• New retinal detachment caused by the surgery
• Lens damage
• Increased rate of cataract formation
• Problems with eye movement after surgery
• Change in refractive error
There is also a risk that the surgery will not successfully repair your original problem. If this is the case, you might need a repeat surgery.