Vitrectomy

Receive the Treatments You Need

A vitrectomy is often the first step in treating conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. By removing the vitreous, your doctor can address the cause of your vision issues and preserve your sight.

Improve Your Vision

When the vitreous becomes clouded, scarred, or filled with debris or blood, light can no longer reach the retina. Removing and replacing the vitreous can solve or improve the issue and allow for clearer vision. 

Enhanced Precision and No Need for Sutures

The equipment used for vitrectomy surgery has vastly improved since the 1970s. Self-sealing, sutureless incisions and smaller instruments make the procedure more comfortable and reduce recovery times. 

Vitrectomy surgery typically takes place at an outpatient surgical center and lasts from one to several hours. Since clouding of the vitreous is typically related to another condition, your doctor may combine the surgery with additional procedures.

Before beginning, your surgeon will numb the eye and administer sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Then they will use tiny tools to address one or more related issues. This can involve:

Removing all affected vitreous

​​Removing scar tissue 

Restoring the retina to its proper position

Removing cataracts

Removing a foreign object from the eye

They can then place an air or gas bubble, or fill the eye with saline solution to secure the retina. Once the procedure is complete, you will likely receive eye drops to use during the healing process. This may include antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops. If your doctor places a gas bubble, you will need to keep your head face-down for two to four days until the gas dissolves.