The object of vitreoretinal surgery is the posterior ocular segment, which includes the vitreous, retina, retinal pigment epithelium and sclera.
Anterior vitrectomy is rarely performed and in cases of complicated cataract and glaucoma surgery when vitreous fluid shifts to the anterior lobe of the eye. Some trauma also requires this approach.
In addition to the above, conditions that also require surgical intervention are:
- Opacity of the visual corpus blocking vision (blur) - a common condition associated with aging, myopia, severe diabetes, head or eye trauma, in premature infants. All of these could also lead to retinal detachment.
- Retinal detachment.
- Macular hole.
- Intraocular hemorrhages.
- Complications of diabetic retinopathy.
- Infections and inflammations, in the presence of foreign bodies.
Vitreoretinal surgery results in vision restoration from 80 - 100%.
Before intervening, it is important to consider certain conditions such as:
- Is there a risk of vision loss?
- Be clear whether the pathology can be treated conservatively.
- Is the patient aware of the benefits and risks of surgery.
- Has the root cause of the eye change been eliminated - often chronic diseases such as diabetes impact the eye and lead to hemorrhages.
It should be borne in mind that a vitrectomy will remove the bruising, but there is no guarantee that it will not form again.
In some cases, a laser probe (endolaser) is added during surgery to treat vascular lesions and outbreaks of diabetic retinopathy.
When else is vitrectomy recommended?
- For diagnosis (diagnostic vitrectomy).
- For the insertion of a therapeutic medication (drugs with prolonged release of steroid or antiviral molecules). Drainage devices needed for glaucoma, retinal prosthesis or gene therapy may also be placed. Therapeutic products are placed under the retina itself. Vitrectomy is one way of targeted treatment of the retina.
Vitrectomy surgery facts:
- The surgeon chooses the best technique to use in each case.
- Procedures can be performed with self-sealing, seamless incisions about half a millimeter in size.
- Unless the patient is in poor health or has severe comorbidities, vitrectomy is performed in an outpatient setting and a mild local anesthetic is used.
- Access to the operative field is through the "safe zone" in the white part of the eye or sclera. A surgical microscope is used with a special lens that allows a detailed view of the inside of the eye. A probe is used to cut, move or remove the vitreous. If necessary, a laser probe is also used to seal ruptured vessels or the retina itself.
- When removing the vitreous, a gas bubble or silicone oil is used as a substitute. In the post-operative period, patients are advised to keep the face down to aid retinal healing.
For more information, we at Medical Karaj are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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