Vitrectomy

What is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous body in the eye. In a vitrectomy, the vitreous body is aspirated through fine incisions in the cornea and replaced by a liquid or gas with similar properties (especially transparency and refractive index). The task of the vitreous body in the eye is to provide stability and allow light rays to pass from the lens to the retina (i.e., the sensory cells).

Indication: When Should the Vitreous Body Be Removed?

There are various possibilities why a vitreous removal may be necessary. In most cases, these are diseases of the adjacent structures and not of the vitreous body itself. Therefore, the vitreous body often has to be removed, for example, to gain access to the retina.

Pure opacity of the vitreous body, often accompanied by phenomena such as "dancing mosquitoes/floaters," is only very rarely an indication to remove the vitreous body.

Possible illnesses requiring vitreous body removal are, for example, retinal detachment or bleeding in the case of diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes).

Holes in the retina and the point of sharpest vision (macula) or epiretinal gliosis (a small membrane grows over the point of most acute vision) may also make vitreous body removal.

Vitrectomy Costs

The costs of a vitreous body removal are covered by health insurance in the case of a medical indication. If there is no clear medical indication, but the wish exists, this may be different. The easiest way to clarify this is to talk to the treating doctor.

Vitreous Removal Duration & Procedure

The removal of the vitreous body is usually carried out under local anesthesia. The procedure takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Typically, three small incisions (all less than 1mm in diameter) are made in the eyeball, through which the vitreous material is removed, and the surgical instruments can be inserted. The actual surgery takes place entirely in the eye. The removal of the vitreous body is a very established procedure and has relatively low risks. The attending physician will inform you about possible complications before the surgery.

A possible consequence of a vitreous removal is the development of a cataract. Therefore, combined surgery is sometimes carried out (cataract and vitreous removal).

Healing Process and After-Care

A short inpatient stay usually follows the surgery. During this stay and the following weeks and days, the heavy physical load should be avoided, attentive head position is necessary, and manipulation of the eyes (rubbing, make-up) should be avoided.

Your doctor will discuss this, all check-ups, and after-care examination with you in more detail.

Which Doctors and Clinics are Specialized in Vitrectomy?

Specialists in ophthalmology are the primary contact persons regarding vitrectomy. As in most areas of medicine, centers and clinics specialized in such surgeries are available.

We can help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been checked by us for their outstanding specialization in vitrectomy and are awaiting your inquiry or treatment request.

Sources:

www.augenklinik-sulzbach.de/behandlungsspektrum/netzhaut-chirurgie/modernste-behandlungsmoeglichkeiten-mit-vitrektomie

augenchirurgie.clinic/behandlungen/vitrektomie