What You Need to Know About Vitreoretinal Surgery

1. What You Need to Know About Vitreoretinal Surgery Vitreoretinal surgery, known as a vitrectomy, is a surgery that removes the vitreous fluid from inside the eye. The vitreous may be removed for several reasons and is usually done to give the retinal surgeon access to the retina. Your retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye, connected to the optical nerve, sending signals to the brain so you can see. Vitreoretinal surgery can be done if the vitreous gel is inflamed, filled with blood, has eye floaters, or is infected. It also helps your retinal surgeon treat a range of eye conditions including bleeding inside the eye, eye infections, retinal tears or detachment, eye trauma, or cataracts. It is also done in patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy, which is a diabetic complication that damages the retina. Vitreoretinal surgery has a ninety percent success rate. When you are scheduled for vitreoretinal surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and take a few days off work following the operation. You may be required to not eat or drink before the surgery. You will be admitted to an eye hospital and prepared for surgery. Often you are given a mild anesthetic to numb the eye and in some cases, you may have a general anesthetic, so you sleep through the procedure. Vitreoretinal surgery requires the eye surgeon to open the eyelids and cut them into the first layer of the eye tissue. They cut into the white of the eye, inserting small instruments into the cut. They use fiber- optic lights to see inside the eye, removing the vitreous and other necessary tissues. The vitreous gel is then replaced with air, gas, or a saline solution. Over time this is absorbed into the body and vitreous gel is automatically replaced. During the procedure, the eye surgeon may do other work, such as repairing your retina or removing damaged tissues from the eye. The small cut is stitched, though sometimes stitches are not needed, depending on the size of the cut. During recovery, the ophthalmologist monitors your condition. You are usually allowed to go home the same day to recover. You will be required to use eye drops to reduce the risk of infection. You will not be allowed to drive until your vision has returned to normal and you cannot fly or travel until you are given the go-ahead from your eye doctor. You mustn't do strenuous activities or lift heavy items during your recovery period. Often you will need to lie face down or turn your head to one side for an extended period, this helps the gas or substance used in the eye to maintain eye pressure. The good news is that you should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days. As with any surgical procedure, there are some complications to be aware of when having vitreoretinal surgery, though the risks are few. The risks are higher when vitreoretinal surgery was done to repair extensive damage to the retina or eye. Some of the complications associated with this surgical procedure include retinal detachment, retinal tears, bleeding in the eye, infection, scar tissue in the eye, decreased vision, and in exceptionally rare cases, blindness.

2. A vitreoretinal surgery is considered a low-risk procedure with a high success rate. It is used to help preserve or improve vision. You may notice an improvement in vision if you had floaters or blood in the vitreous which was causing vision problems. 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 eyesight 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 http://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com