The inside of the eye is filled with a transparent jelly-like substance called vitreous. Thanks to this substance, the eye can remain anatomically whole. In some retina diseases, surgery can be performed by removing this jelly-like substance. Emptying the vitreous allows the vitreoretinal surgeon to access the retina and its pathologies. This emptied substance is replaced by intraocular fluid (aqueous humor). Before vitrectomy surgery, many eye diseases were considered incurable, but today most of these diseases can now be treated.
How is vitrectomy surgery performed?
With local or general anesthesia, from the white part just behind the pupil. Three trocars of approximately 0.5 – 1 mm are inserted into the eye and the vitreous is cleaned. This procedure is performed entirely under a microscope.
In what cases is vitrectomy surgery required?
Vitrectomy is generally performed in vitreous and some retina diseases, that is, diseases in which the pupil and the part behind the lens are affected.
These are:
*Retinal detachment
*MACULAR HOLE
*Diabetes-related bleeding and retinal pathologies (DIABETIC RETINOPATHY)
*Membrane formation on the retinal surface (ERM)
* Complications of cataract surgery
*It is performed in diseases such as vitreous clouding due to uveitis.
The gel substance is cleared and the surgery is performed. Completed. Does the gel substance form again or is it replaced with another substance?
It is not possible for the gel to form again after it is cleaned. At the end of the surgery, liquid/air/gas or silicone is left inside the eye. The fluid produced by the eye itself replaces the substance left in the eye over time. This is 1 week for air and 2-8 weeks for gas. Silicone does not disappear in the eye and requires a second surgery to be removed.
If a patient who will undergo vitrectomy surgery has a cataract, can it be done in the same session?
If the patient has a cataract in the eye and the back part of the eye cannot be seen. If it prevents it, cataract surgery is required in the same session. If the cataract is mild and does not interfere with vision, cataract surgery can be performed in a second session. Since cataract development will accelerate after vitrectomy surgery, some surgeons may prefer to operate in the same session, even if the cataract is mild.
What are the risks of vitrectomy surgery?
The most common complication is cataract development. Apart from this, complications such as bleeding, infection, increase in intraocular pressure, recurrence of the disease, retinal tear, light damage to the retina may occur.
When will vision recover after surgery?
Ophthalmologists recommend The most difficult surgery to predict postoperative vision is vitrectomy surgery.
What are the points to be taken into consideration after vitrectomy surgery?
–After the surgery, the eye should remain closed until the next day's control, unless otherwise stated.
– The eye should not be touched with water for a week, and only the area from the neck down should be washed when taking a shower.
– The eye should never be touched or wiped.
– Drugs prescribed after the operation are listed in the description. It should be used in a disciplined manner.
– A slight stinging and burning is normal for 1-2 weeks after the operation. (Consult your doctor in case of severe pain)
– Head position is important after the operation and you should ask the doctor how to lie down and for how long and stay in the said position.
– As required by the operation. If gas is injected into the eye, it is normal for vision to be poor. It is possible to feel a black darkness in front of the eye. Depending on the type of gas administered, it remains in the eye for 2-6 weeks and it is normal for it to prevent vision during this period. It is forbidden for gassed patients to travel by plane! Other means of travel should be preferred until the gas is completely exhausted; This period may last between 2 weeks and 2 months after the surgery, depending on the nature of the gas administered. If general anesthesia is necessary for any reason (in emergency situations), the anesthesiologist must be informed that there is gas in the eye and the appropriate anesthetic agent must be selected accordingly. There is a slight risk of retinal detachment or bleeding recurring after the gas is removed. For this reason, control examinations should not be restricted.
– If silicone oil is injected into the eye, it is usually left in the eye for 3-6 months and then a new surgery is performed to remove it. Since silicone may deteriorate after a while and cause damage to the eyes (redness of the eye, increased eye pressure, etc.), it must be removed from certain intervals. Field control is required. It should not be forgotten that there is a risk of recurrence of retinal detachment after silicone removal.
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