Why Do I Need Vitreoretinal Surgery?

1. Why Do I Need Vitreoretinal Surgery? Vitreoretinal surgery is a common eye operation that involves removing the vitreous gel. The vitreous gel is a jelly like fluid inside the eye. During the surgery the fluid is replaced with a gas bubble or saline solution, that is naturally absorbed into the body as the eye produces more fluid. In order to see, light needs to pass through your eye and reach your retina. The retina is located at the back of the eye and is responsible for sensing light. It then transfers the information to your brain, helping you to see clearly. There are a number of eye conditions and diseases that cause this fluid to cloud, harden, scar, be filled with debris or blood. This stops the light from reaching the retina, causing visual problems. By removing and replacing the gel, it can help to solve eye problems and in some cases, improve your vision. In some extreme cases, the retina pulls away from the tissues surrounding it and a vitreoretinal surgery may be required, enabling the eye surgeon to gain easy access to your retina, repairing it as needed. It is also used to enable the surgeon to reach the macular, that is located in the centre of the retina. Your macular is responsible for providing you with clear vision, helping you recognise faces and read. A macular hole can cause blurred vision and with the vitreous gel removed, the surgeon can fix this problem with ease. Vitreoretinal surgery is also used for eye infections, serious eye injuries, macular puckers and damaged blood vessels in the retina. It is also used to treat specific problems after you have had effective cataract surgery. Before vitreoretinal surgery, your ophthalmologist will give you a list of instructions on how to prepare. This often involves stopping taking certain medications, avoiding certain foods and drinks for a period of time and providing you with your anaesthesia options. The ophthalmologist will conduct another eye exam prior to surgery, sometimes dilating the eye, so that they have an updated view of the retina before they start. A vitretoretinal surgery normally takes approximately an hour, though it can take several hours if the surgery is also treating another eye condition. It is sometimes only one step in the procedure to repair the problem you have. You may stay awake throughout the procedure with a local anaesthetic, though in most cases, you will be given medications to help you relax. You will not feel any pain during vitreoretinal surgery, though it is common to feel some pressure as the surgeon works on your eye. Vitreoretinal surgery is a relatively straight forward procedure that involves the surgeon making a small cut in the outer layer of your eye. They then remove the vitreous gel using a microscopic cutting tool and remove any scar tissue or debris inside the eye. Once all the fluid has been removed, the surgeon makes any additional repairs needed before filling the eye with a gas bubble or saline. In some cases, you may need a stitch to close the cut. You must not drive after the surgery and arrange for someone to drive you home. In most cases, you return home the same day as your surgery for recovery. You will be given eye drops to prevent the risk of infection. Risks associated with vitreoretinal surgery includes an increased risk of cataracts, bleeding in the vitreous, retinal detachment, infection or increased eye pressure. You must call your ophthalmologist immediately if your vision starts to fade, you experience severe pain or swelling and redness around the eye, there is discharge from your eye or you experience flashes of light and floaters. About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/.