Vitrectomy is a surgery performed by Magrabi Health ophthalmologists to treat diseases and problems related to the retina and vitreous humor, a gel-like substance within the eye.

Magrabi Health ophthalmologists may recommend vitrectomy for patients when the retina is damaged, there is insufficient blood flow, or when foreign objects enter the eye causing infection.

The primary goal of this surgery is to restore normal vision or prevent its deterioration by removing the vitreous humor, allowing the surgeon access to the retina for treatment.

In this article, Magrabi Health's ophthalmology experts provide important information on vitrectomy, details about the procedure, and the recovery process afterward.

What does vitrectomy mean?

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes the vitreous humor from the eye. The vitreous humor is a transparent, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and retina.

The vitreous humor allows light to pass through the eye, focusing it on the retina. The retina is a nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, and it sends visual information to the brain through the optic nerve.

In some cases, blood, scar tissue, or other substances may accumulate in the vitreous, blocking light from reaching the retina and negatively impacting vision.

During surgery, the ophthalmologist removes part or all the vitreous and replaces it with saline solution, a gas bubble, or silicone oil. This replacement material helps stabilize the retina during recovery and prevents further vision deterioration.

Over time, the eye's natural fluid replaces the substitute, allowing the eye to regain its normal function.

When do Magrabi Health ophthalmologists recommend vitrectomy?

Doctors recommend vitrectomy for several conditions, including:

Diabetic retinopathy: one of the primary reasons for vitrectomy is diabetic retinopathy, which may cause bleeding in the eye or the formation of scar tissue on the retina, leading to vision loss. Vitrectomy helps remove the blood and scar tissue, allowing the surgeon to treat the retina without obstructions.
Retinal detachment: retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. Vitrectomy allows the surgeon to reattach the retina, and in many cases, a gas bubble or silicone oil is implanted to keep the retina in place during recovery.
Macular hole: a macular hole (a small tear in the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision) can be treated through vitrectomy.
Macular pucker: in some cases, the macula becomes wrinkled due to scar tissue forming on its surface, leading to blurred vision. Vitrectomy helps the surgeon remove this scar tissue.
Eye infections: severe eye infections, such as endophthalmitis, may require vitrectomy to remove the infected material and prevent further eye and vision damage.
Eye injuries: eye injuries may cause foreign objects or blood to enter the eye, necessitating vitrectomy to remove them and repair the retina.
Complications from cataract surgery: although cataract surgery complications are rare, some issues may arise during or after surgery that require vitrectomy, such as leakage of the vitreous into the eye's anterior chamber or the displacement of part of the lens into the vitreous cavity.

Types of vitrectomy surgeries

Vitrectomy surgeries are classified into two main types based on the location and nature of the problem being treated:

Posterior pars plana vitrectomy: this is the most common type of vitrectomy and is used to treat conditions affecting the back of the eye, including retinal detachment, macular holes, and diabetic retinopathy. The procedure involves making small incisions in the sclera (the white part of the eye) to access the vitreous cavity and retina.
Anterior vitrectomy: Magrabi Health ophthalmologists perform this type of surgery when the vitreous humor leaks into the anterior chamber of the eye.

This problem often stems from eye injuries or cataract surgeries in patients with severe conditions. The surgery aims to remove the vitreous from the front of the eye to prevent further complications and improve vision recovery.

The vitrectomy procedure

Vitrectomy is generally not a complex surgery, allowing the patient to return home the same day. The procedure can last from one to several hours, depending on the severity of the condition.

The ophthalmologist uses local or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during surgery. The surgeon makes small incisions in the sclera to insert surgical tools into the eye, and a special microscope provides a clear view of the retina. The main steps of the procedure are:

Removal of the vitreous humor: the surgeon uses a tool like scissors to remove the gel-like vitreous humor, creating a clear path to the retina.
Repairing the retina: depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon may use a laser to seal retinal tears, remove scar tissue, or reattach the retina.
Injecting a substitute: after removing the vitreous humor, the surgeon injects a gas bubble, silicone oil, or saline solution into the eye to stabilize the retina during recovery. The type of substitute used depends on the condition being treated.

Post-vitrectomy care and recovery

Magrabi Health ophthalmologists provide patients with postoperative care instructions to promote recovery and prevent complications.

Pain after surgery is rare, but patients may feel itchiness or the sensation of something in their eye. This feeling typically subsides with time and prescribed medication.

If the surgeon placed a gas bubble inside the eye, the patient may be required to maintain a specific head position (such as looking downward) for a certain period to ensure the retina remains in place during recovery.

Patients are also advised to avoid air travel or high-altitude areas, as changes in air pressure can affect the gas bubble and lead to unwanted complications.

Magrabi Health surgeons recommend that patients wear an eye patch for a few days to protect the eye and follow-up with visits to monitor the eye’s recovery. Patients usually experience gradual improvement in their condition over the weeks following surgery, with recovery time depending on the extent of damage to the retina.

Potential complications of vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is a safe and effective procedure, but like most surgeries, it can lead to some side effects and complications, including:

Infection: surgery can lead to the risk of infection, but this can be minimized by choosing a specialized eye hospital and following all of the surgeon’s postoperative care instructions.
Bleeding: patients may experience bleeding during or after surgery, so it is important to inform the surgeon of any medical history before undergoing surgery.
Retinal detachment: in rare cases, the retina may detach after surgery, requiring additional treatment.
Cataracts: cataracts may develop as a potential complication after vitrectomy, especially in individuals over 50, which may require future cataract surgery.
Glaucoma: some patients may experience elevated eye pressure following surgery.
Advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved the effectiveness of vitrectomy, offering great hope for treating retina and vitreous conditions.

Take care of your eye health by consulting expert eye surgeons at Magrabi Health, the leading eye hospital in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Choose the nearest branch and schedule your consultation today.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/what-is-vitrectomy#:~:text=Vitrectomy%20is%20a%20type%20of,retina%20and%20causing%20poor%20vision

https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/25/vitrectomy

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/vitrectomy