Vitrectomy Surgery

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Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is a common type of retinal surgery used to treat a wide range of serious eye conditions that affect the vitreous (the gel-like substance that fills the middle of the eye) and the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. By removing the vitreous and replacing it with a clear solution, your retina specialist gains better access to the retina and can repair damage that might otherwise lead to permanent vision loss.

At Northeast Wisconsin Retina Associates, vitrectomy is performed by highly trained retinal surgeons using advanced microsurgical techniques. If you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal condition that requires surgery, our team will guide you through the entire process with expert care and attention.

Conditions Treated with Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is a versatile procedure used to treat several conditions that threaten vision, including:

• Retinal detachment
• Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the vitreous from diabetic retinopathy or other causes)
• Macular hole
• Epiretinal membrane (also called macular pucker)
• Infections inside the eye (endophthalmitis)
• Severe eye trauma
• Complications from previous eye surgeries
• Removal of floaters in select cases
  If your retina is torn, swollen, bleeding, or obscured by scar tissue, vitrectomy allows your surgeon to access and treat the problem directly.

How Vitrectomy Surgery Works

Vitrectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and may be done under local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific case. During the procedure, your surgeon will:

• Make tiny incisions in the white part of your eye (sclera).
• Use a small instrument to remove the vitreous gel.
• Treat the retina as needed; this may involve laser therapy, repairing a retinal detachment, peeling scar tissue, or closing a macular hole.
• Replace the vitreous with a sterile saline solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil to help the retina stay in place.
  The entire surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on its complexity.

Recovery After Vitrectomy

Recovery from vitrectomy is typically straightforward, but it does require care and patience. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery, and you may be prescribed medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

Common recovery guidelines include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities for at least 1–2 weeks
• Keeping your head in a specific position (face down) if a gas bubble was used
• Wearing an eye shield while sleeping for a few days
• Avoiding air travel or high altitudes if you have a gas bubble in the eye
  Your vision may be blurry at first, but it typically improves over several weeks as the eye heals. Full visual recovery may take up to several months, depending on the underlying condition and severity.

Risks and Potential Complications

Like all surgeries, vitrectomy carries some risk. While complications are rare, they can include:

• Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis)
• Bleeding
• Cataract progression
• Elevated eye pressure (glaucoma)
• Retinal detachment
• Recurrence of the original problem

Our team will review your specific risk factors and provide clear pre- and post-op instructions to reduce the chance of complications.

Outcomes and Follow-Up Care

Vitrectomy can significantly improve or preserve vision when performed for the right reasons at the right time. Many patients experience visual improvement within weeks to months following surgery, especially if the retina heals well and the underlying issue is resolved.

You will have several follow-up appointments to monitor healing, manage eye pressure, and ensure the retina remains stable. In some cases, additional treatments, such as laser therapy or medication, may be required as part of your ongoing care.