Eye is one of the most important sensory organs of the body which helps in vision. But there could be many reasons due to which the normal functioning of the eye can get disrupted. People who are highly diabetic, often suffer retinal damage as an aggravated side effect of diabetes. In medical conditions, where eyesight can get affected, vitrectomy becomes a necessary surgical procedure for vision correction.
Vitrectomy Procedure
This procedure involves a surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the eye, in order to get a better view at the back of the eye to trace the cause for the anomaly in retina. This procedure becomes absolutely necessary if there is a vitreous hemorrhage (a case where there are traces of blood in the vitreous gel). Other conditions where vitrectomy becomes necessary are diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular hole and epiretinal membrane infection.
Before the surgery, the patient is given local or general anesthesia. Then an incision is made in the sclera (white portion) of the eye and certain tiny instruments are used to suction the vitreous gel out. Meanwhile, to maintain the shape of the eye, a salt solution is injected. After this, the surgeon proceeds with retinal repair like removing fibrous tissue from retina or filling up tears and holes in the macula of the eye or scleral buckle placement. Once this surgery is complete, silicon gas is injected into the eye to replace the suctioned vitreous gel back into the eye.
Recovering from Vitrectomy
A complete recovery is about 4-6 weeks, depending on the patient's ability to recuperate post the surgery. During the recovery time, the patient has to take utmost care, pertaining to the fact that eye is a very sensitive organ. The eyes are usually covered with a patch which can be removed only during bedtime and that too by the nurse or doctor. The eyes may feel discomfort and remain swollen for a long time post vitrectomy recovery. The swelling on the outer side of the eye is the cause of this discomfort. To palliate the pain, one can use ice compress and certain pain relievers (like Tylenol). Once the eye patch is removed, prescribed eye drops should be used for proper lubrication of the eye. They help in reducing the inflammation caused in the eyelids and also prevent the eyes from catching any eye infection.
In case of a retinal detachment, where there is a small gas bubble inserted into the eye, it is very important for the patient to maintain the correct position by facing downward for the whole day. Tilting downward aids the bubble to travel to the back of the eye, where its pressure assists in healing the affected area. The time of this posturing could be anywhere between 5-14 days. Usually, the patient can be discharged the same day the procedure has been performed. However, for a quick healing and to achieve better eye vision, proper eye care post vitrectomy is very important. The patient might experience heaviness and discomfort in the eye. In some cases, where the patient is required to be postured with his face pointing down, a face down recovery equipment can be used. The duration for using this equipment, varies between 5 days to 3 weeks post surgery.
Risks and Complications
Vitrectomy comes with its share of risks and complications. Although majority of the surgeries (approximately 82%) are successful guaranteeing vision correction, about 9% of the patients also experience permanent loss of vision. In case of neovascular glaucoma (a major vitrectomy risk), where new blood vessels develop in the eye, blocking the drainage ducts and increasing the eye pressure, this condition can cause a major complication in vitrectomy. Also people with a high blood sugar must consult an experienced ophthalmologist before opting for vitrectomy.
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