- Positive outcomes depend directly on early diagnosis and timely treatment
- Many patients experience improved vision within a few weeks
- For most people, vision is restored, preserved, and clearer
The Procedure
Vitreoretinal surgery is a type of operation performed on the retina, the vitreous body and the macula. It is usually done on an outpatient basis, and most patients are able to go home the same day.
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure, but most patients return to their daily activities very quickly — often just a few days after surgery. For others, recovery may take longer.
In cases of retinal detachment, the retina must be reattached quickly to prevent loss of vision. The treatment is surgical, and the earlier it is performed, the more effective it will be. A pars plana vitrectomy is carried out — a technique in which the surgeon works inside the eye, drains the fluid under the retina, applies laser to seal the tears that caused the detachment, and places a temporary tamponade with gas or silicone.
For patients with a retinal tear, the aim is to secure the affected area and prevent fluid from entering underneath, in order to avoid a future detachment.
In cases of a macular hole, treatment is performed through vitrectomy — a procedure in which the vitreous body is removed to prevent traction on the retina. After its removal, the surgeon injects gas or silicone into the vitreous cavity to maintain the shape of the eye and help the hole close. Vitrectomy is performed under local anesthesia and is considered a safe and effective treatment for macular hole.
Expected Results
Recommended for:
- Retinal detachment – Retinal detachment is an extremely serious condition. The retina cannot function when it is detached from the underlying layers, and without immediate treatment it can lead to irreversible vision loss. The most common causes are advanced diabetic retinopathy, high myopia, eye injuries or head trauma, and age-related changes.
- Vitreous hemorrhage – The vitreous body is a gel-like, transparent substance that fills the cavity of the eye. It is located between the lens and the retina. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, trauma, retinal tears or retinal detachment can cause bleeding into the vitreous.
- Retinal tear – The retina is located at the back of the eye and forms the innermost layer of the eyeball. It contains the photoreceptors and neurons that make up the optic nerve. The vitreous body – a gel-like substance occupying two-thirds of the eye’s volume – is attached to the retina. In younger people, the vitreous is thick and stable in shape. With age, the consistency of the gel changes and becomes more watery. This liquefication can lead to the vitreous pulling away from the retina and causing a tear. This allows intraocular fluid to pass between the retina and the underlying layers, potentially leading to retinal detachment.
- Macular hole – The macula (the yellow spot) is the central part of the retina that enables us to see fine details and carry out everyday activities such as reading, driving, or threading a needle. A macular hole often develops as part of the natural aging process. As the eye ages, the vitreous may split and detach from the macula, creating a hole. It can also occur as a result of injury, diabetes, inflammation, retinal detachment or other eye diseases.
- Foreign body in the eye – Foreign bodies must be surgically removed urgently due to the risk of infection, bleeding, retinal detachment or toxic reaction.
- Complications from diabetic retinopathy
- Severe eye trauma
- Presence of an epiretinal membrane
Not Recommended for:
- Patients with old retinal detachment that has led to retinal fibrosis in the form of a “closed funnel.”
Side Effects
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Pain or discomfort
Risks
- Infection
- Increase in intraocular pressure
- Hemorrhage
- Difficulty seeing
- Difficulty opening and closing the eye
Frequently Asked Questions
As with any type of surgery, there are risks, though rare. In vitreoretinal surgery, a rare risk is retinal tear or detachment. In a large percentage of performed procedures, patients leave with better vision, without any complications.
Vitreoretinal surgery can take approximately 1 hour, sometimes more, depending on the type and complexity of the eye condition being treated. In most cases, patients can return home after the operation.
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