“When is a vitrectomy used?”

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to repair various retinal and vision problems. It is done to remove the vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance within the eye. Some of these retinal and vision problems include bleeding, infections, retinal holes, and detachments.

Consider the vitreous to be similar to the albumin of an egg. If you crack a fresh egg, there is a membrane around the albumin and another around the yolk. If you crack a three week old egg, the albumen has degenerated and is now watery with white spots,condensations of protein in it. This is what happens to the vitreous in the eye. The amount that is still gelatinous is attached to the retina and can form traction as the eye moves up/down, right/left throughout the day. When this traction is in the periphery, it can pull firmly on the retina and cause a tear to the retina which might need and cause considerable blurring. Even worse is that the tear to the retina might allow the now watery vitreous to enter this tear and go behind the retina creating a Retinal detachment.

If the traction from the shrinking retina is located in the center of the retina (the Macula) then it will cause serious damage to the center of vision from which recovery is limited. All of these conditions or even the distinct possibilities of traction upon these tissues may be the reasons to perform a vitrectomy and replace the vitreous with saline, a salt water substitute for the vitreous. Because this surgery is very delicate, it is only recommended in cases where there is the danger of further vitreous degeneration to result in one of these conditions or if particles of the protein concentrations (floaters) obscure the vision and are blurring the vision.

It can be used for several different vitreous or retinal diseases. Likely could be a vitreous hemmohage that is not clearing up. It could be for a macular wrinkle and would include removing membrane with the vitrectomy. It could be a retinal detachment. You would have to ask her surgeon the exact reason.

Vitrectomy is an operative procedure in which special instrumentation is used to clear out material in the back of the eye which is diseased or damaged.  Generally the patient is asleep and the procedure typically takes 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hour. Commonly at the same time associated procedures may be done to stabilize the tissues at the back of the eye with laser, cryo and various mechanical inserted aids.   Vitrectomy is performed most commonly for retinal detachments and for bleeding in the back of the eye.  It frequently is done in advanced diabetic change in the eye when bleeding is a complication.  Trauma common requires vitrectomy as well.  There are other indications but these are the most common.  Your mother, if she has had such a recommendation, has probably consulted with a retinal surgeon which is the subspecialist who does this type of surgery.  Hopefully he/she has explained the condition of the eye to her and why vitrectomy might be helpful as well as the recovery and results to be expected.  

Vitrectomies are used for retinal detachments, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, vitreous hemorrhage, floaters and many other indications.The above indications are the most common reason vitrectomies are performed

Sincerely, Sean Adrean MD, FAAO Retina Consultants of Orange County

A vitrectomy is a relatively common operation to remove the gel called vitreous humour in the back of the eye. Vitrectomy is used for multiple reasons and can be quite beneficial. Unfortunately, without knowing the details of her diagnosis it's not possible to comment more specifically about the reasons a vitrectomy is advised in this case.

Vitrectomy is a general term used for retina surgery. Strictly speaking, "vitrectomy" is the removal of the vitreous gel from the inside of the eye. Removal of the vitreous gel is the first step of retina surgery, but the real procedure takes place after that. Vitrectomy can be combined with macular hole surgery, membrane peeling, retinal detachment repair, laser, air/gas exchange, and other procedures. The indications for surgery depend on the condition. Vitrectomy is a very safe surgery, however all vitrectomy and retina surgery involves microscopic manipulation of very delicate tissue inside the eye so there is always a risk for complication.

Vittectomy is the removal of vitreous gel from the back of the eye. It's done if the gel is obstructing vision, harmful to the retina exerting pull and tearing the retina or its formed a epiretinal membrane and causing wrinkling of the retina. Ask your surgeon for details of the options.