| You may have heard the term Vitreoretinal Surgery and wondered what type of surgery it was. The term, in fact, refers to not one specific type of surgery, but any type of surgical procedure that has to do with treating conditions of the retina, macula and vitreous fluid. Some of the more common conditions treated with Vitreoretinal Surgery include: - Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment and tears
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Ocular trauma
- Inflammatory ocular conditions
- Hereditary retinal diseases
- Intraocular infection
The vitreous of the eye is a fluid-like substance that fills the central cavity of the eye and helps maintain the proper shape of the eye. This fluid is attached to the retina, and primarily the back of the eye, and to the optic nerve, macula, and retinal blood vessels. Vitrectomy Another type of vitreous surgery, a Vitrectomy removes the natural vitreous fluid from the eye and replaces it with a saline liquid. This type of eye surgery usually occurs when material is present in the eye that is not supposed to be present, such as blood from a trauma wound or leaking blood vessels. This is a more serious and involved surgery and usually requires that patients be placed under general anaesthesia. Why Should You Have Vitreoretinal Surgery Done? Vitreoretinal surgeries are necessary to correct vision and eye issues that could cause severe loss of vision or even blindness. In most cases these types of surgeries are corrective and are conducted after an eye issues has occurred or been detected, but in some cases – especially if you are genetically prone to retinal or vitreous issues – these types of surgeries could be performed to help prevent conditions from worsening and severe loss of vision occurring. The most serious retinal problems that require surgery are caused by problems with the vitreous. Post Vitreoretinal Surgery Every type of vitreoretinal surgery is a serious procedure. Patients and surgeons should discuss proper preparation, the procedure itself, risks involved and the recovery process before moving forward with the procedure. Vitreoretinal surgery is usually an easy, painless procedure with a successful track record of improving and even restoring vision. Recovery does involve maintaining a face-down position on a continuous basis for several weeks to allow the eyes to heal, but the results are worth it. After the surgery, some individuals may experience: - Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising around the outside of the eye
- Pressure
- Leaking from tear duct
- Altered sleeping patterns
Discuss these possible symptoms with your retina doctor before your operation and make sure you are well educated about day and nighttime activities, food and drink, bathing and clothing, and care and maintenance of your eyes to get the most out of your corrective vitreoretinal surgery. |