Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy: Advanced Microsurgical Treatment for Retinal Diseases

The retina is the light-sensitive nerve layer located at the back of the eye and is responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. Retinal diseases caused by diabetes, trauma, retinal tears, bleeding, or age-related degeneration may lead to severe and permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Vitrectomy surgery, medically known as Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV), is an advanced microsurgical procedure performed to treat complex retinal disorders. At Özel Sistem Eye Medical Center, vitrectomy procedures are performed by experienced retinal surgeons using modern microsurgical technology and high-precision imaging systems.

What is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a retinal surgery procedure in which the vitreous gel filling the inside of the eye is carefully removed using microsurgical instruments. In certain retinal diseases, the vitreous may become cloudy due to bleeding, inflammation, scar tissue formation, or traction on the retina.

During vitrectomy surgery, pathological tissues are removed to allow direct treatment of the retinal damage. Small micro-incisions are created in the sclera, and specialized instruments are inserted into the eye. After the vitreous is removed, the surgeon treats the underlying retinal condition and stabilizes the retina using intraocular gas, air, fluid, or silicone oil when necessary.

Conditions Treated with Vitrectomy

• Diabetic vitreous hemorrhage and tractional diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment and retinal tears
• Macular hole
• Epiretinal membrane (macular pucker)
• Intraocular infections (endophthalmitis)
• Ocular trauma and intraocular foreign bodies
• Retained lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery

Preoperative Evaluation

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution retinal imaging
• Ocular Ultrasonography (B-scan USG): Used when retinal visualization is limited
• Fluorescein Angiography: Evaluates retinal circulation and vascular leakage

How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

1. Tiny sutureless entry ports (23G, 25G, or 27G) are created through the pars plana region
2. The vitreous gel, hemorrhage, inflammatory tissue, or scar membranes are removed
3. Retinal tears may be treated with endolaser photocoagulation
4. Gas, air, balanced salt solution, or silicone oil may be used to support retinal healing

Modern minimally invasive techniques generally allow self-sealing wounds without sutures.

Recovery After Vitrectomy

Visual recovery depends on the underlying retinal disease and is usually gradual over several months.

If Intraocular Gas is Used

Gas temporarily supports the retina. Vision remains blurred until naturally absorbed over several weeks.

If Silicone Oil is Used

Silicone oil may remain for several months and is usually removed with a second procedure.

Postoperative Care Instructions

• Use prescribed eye drops regularly
• Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eye
• Prevent water contact with the eye during the first postoperative week
• Follow recommended head positioning instructions carefully
• Patients with intraocular gas must not travel by airplane until gas is completely absorbed

Possible Risks and Complications

• Cataract progression
• Elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma)
• Infection (endophthalmitis)
• Recurrent retinal detachment
• Postoperative bleeding

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or increasing eye pain
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Significant eye redness or discharge
• Nausea and vomiting associated with eye pain

At Özel Sistem Eye Medical Center, we provide personalized retinal care supported by modern technology and experienced vitreoretinal specialists.