What is Vitrectomy Surgery?

Vitreous is a transparent, gel-like substance that fills the eye. It makes up about two-thirds of the eye's volume and contributes to the anatomical shape of the eye by supporting the nerve part of the eye called the retina. Many patients who were blinded by retinal disease in the past can now have good vision thanks to vitrectomy surgery.

How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?

Since the holes opened to enter the eye in vitrectomy are made 3-4 mm behind the transparent layer we call the cornea, that is, from the pars plana, this surgery is called pars plana vitrectomy. In vitrectomy, 3 holes are made in the white visible layer called sclera. Fluid is given into the eye through an infusion line through one hole. This fluid replaces the vitreous removed during vitrectomy surgery. The light source inserted through the other hole illuminates the inside of the eye during surgery. A vitreous cutter is inserted through the third hole and swallows the vitreous into small pieces. During the operation, the surgeon uses an operating microscope and various lenses to see inside the eye.

Most of the time, only local anesthesia is used to numb the eye. The patient can go home after the operation.

In Which Retinal Diseases Do We Perform Vitrectomy?

We perform vitrectomy in diseases such as intraocular hemorrhage, advanced diabetic eye disease (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), retinal detachment (detachment), macular (visual center) hole, anterior macular membrane formation (epiretinal membrane), intraocular infection, intraocular foreign body, eye injuries, giant retinal tears, lens remnants left in the eye during cataract surgery, artificial lens falling into the eye.