VITRECTOMY
Vitrectomy
What is a Vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous humor—the clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. Removing the vitreous allows the surgeon to access and treat the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision.
Vitrectomy is most often performed to:
Repair or prevent traction retinal detachment
Fix large retinal tears or macular holes
Clear blood from the vitreous (often caused by diabetic retinopathy or trauma)
Remove scar tissue resulting from proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Apply laser treatment directly to the retina
Treat infections or injuries inside the eye
Insert a tamponade (gas or oil) to hold the retina in place and support healing
How is the procedure preformed?
During a vitrectomy:
Small Incisions: The surgeon makes three tiny incisions in the pars plana, a region of the white part of the eye (sclera) just behind the iris. This avoids damaging the lens or the retina.
Insertion of Instruments:
An infusion line maintains proper pressure and delivers fluid into the eye.
A light source illuminates the inside of the eye.
A vitrector (a small cutting device) is used to cut and remove the vitreous gel.
Retinal Treatment: Once the gel is removed, the surgeon may:
Use a laser to treat abnormal blood vessels
Remove scar tissue or membranes
Repair retinal tears or holes
Flatten detached retinal areas
Tamponade: A gas bubble or silicone oil is inserted into the eye to hold the retina in place—much like pressing wallpaper to a wall. The bubble helps the retina reattach properly.
Texoma’s vitrectomies are done using 25-gauge or smaller instruments, which are minimally invasive and typically result in less trauma and a quicker recovery.
What to expect after surgery?
At Texoma Retina Center, the Vitrectomy is performed as an outpatient surgery.
Often, following the surgery, the patient may have to position themselves so that the gas can push against the back of the eye to make sure the retina reattaches. Most likely, the patient will be asked to keep their head facing down for a matter of hours per day.
It is extremely important that patients listen to and follow the post-operative instructions given to ensure proper healing.
Because we ask to see our outpatient surgery patients the morning after their procedures, it may be easier for patients and families from out of town to stay in the Denison area.
Please visit our Hospitality and Extended Visits Page for information on hotels and travel services.
Effectiveness & Risks
Does Vitrectomy Work?
Vitrectomy has been shown to greatly improve visual acuity in many people who have vitreal hemorrhages (blood in the vitreous). In general, the surgery can restore some vision that is lost as a result of traction retinal detachments and can help prevent further detachments.
The results tend to be better when the retinal detachment has not reached the macula, the area responsible for central, sharp vision.
Each case is different, and listening to your physician and asking knowledgeable questions provides both the patient and their family with the best understanding of their specific situation.
What Are the Risks?
While vitrectomy is generally safe, all surgical procedures carry potential risks. These may include:
Increased intraocular pressure, especially in patients with glaucoma
Bleeding into the vitreous gel
Retinal detachment (recurrent or new)
Fluid buildup in the cornea (corneal edema)
Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis)
Cataract formation
These risks are rare, but they are important to consider when discussing treatment options with your doctor.
For more info, please click on the link that applies to you:
1. Vitreous Hemorrhage Vitrectomy
2. Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy
4. Epiretinal Membrane Vitrectomy
5. Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy
Macular degeneration is currently treated by anti-VEGF drug injections into the eye every 6-12 months. These injections allow patients to keep their vision, but must be continually given. Research has found promising results using eye drops instead of injections, so that patients may soon have the convenience of administering their AMD treatment at home.
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