Vitrectomy Surgery Service in Delhi

Indications for Vitrectomy

• Retinal Detachment: To reattach the retina by removing the vitreous that is pulling on it and replacing it with a gas bubble, silicone oil, or saline solution.
• Macular Hole: To close a hole in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision.
• Epiretinal Membrane: To remove a layer of scar tissue that can form on the retina and distort vision.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: To clear blood that has leaked into the vitreous cavity, often due to diabetic retinopathy or other vascular conditions.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: To address severe cases where proliferative diabetic retinopathy leads to bleeding, retinal detachment, or traction on the retina.
• Intraocular Infections: To treat infections inside the eye that do not respond to medication.

Procedure

• Anesthesia: Typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
• Incisions: Small incisions (sclerotomies) are made in the sclera (white part of the eye) to allow the insertion of tiny instruments.
• Removal of Vitreous Gel: The vitreous gel is removed to provide better access to the retina and other structures inside the eye, helping eliminate traction on the retina.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Depending on the reason for the vitrectomy, additional procedures such as repairing retinal tears, removing scar tissue, or applying laser treatment may be performed.
• Replacing the Vitreous: The vitreous is replaced with a substitute, such as saline solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil, depending on the specific condition being treated.

Recovery

• Positioning: If a gas bubble is used, patients may need to maintain a specific head position for several days to weeks to keep the bubble in the correct position and help the retina heal properly.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over to prevent increased intraocular pressure.
• Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor the healing process and check for complications.

Potential Complications

• Infection: Endophthalmitis, though rare, can be a serious complication.
• Bleeding: Intraocular bleeding can occur.
• Increased Intraocular Pressure: This can lead to glaucoma.
• Cataract Formation: Cataracts may develop or worsen following vitrectomy, particularly in older patients.
• Retinal Detachment: There is a risk of new or recurrent retinal detachment.
• Vision Changes: Vision may take several weeks to improve, and in some cases, there may be permanent changes in vision.

Long-Term Outlook

• Visual Recovery: Visual improvement depends on the underlying condition being treated and the severity of the disease. Some patients may experience significant improvement, while others may have more limited gains.
• Reoperation: In some cases, additional surgeries may be necessary to address complications or incomplete healing.

Vitrectomy is a complex but highly effective procedure for treating various serious eye conditions. Success and recovery depend on the specific condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.