Vitrectomy Surgery
The specialists at
Eye Institute in Auckland are leaders
in ophthalmology, including Vitrectomy
Surgery required for treatment of a
number of eye conditions. If you require Vitrectomy
surgery, Auckland's Eye Institute
have a purpose-built day-stay hospital,
so you can be assured of
excellence in quality of care. Eye Institute pioneered day-stay local anaesthetic vitrectomy surgery in New Zealand; it used to require hospitalisation not all that long ago and in some places still does.
What is it?
The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like fluid that fills the
centre cavity of the eye. It makes up about 2/3 of the eye’s
volume, providing a clear transparent space to see through. Certain
problems affecting the back of the eye may require surgical removal
of the vitreous. This is called a vitrectomy.
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ANATOMY OF THE EYE |
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What is Involved During a Vitrectomy?
Before a vitrectomy is performed the eye is anaesthetized; you
are awake but your eye is completely
numb. An anaesthetist is present and
can give medication to combat anxiety or make you
sleepy.
An operating microscope is used
to see the retina and other structures
inside the eye.
Tiny incisions that are under a millimetre in length
are made in the sclera (the white of the eye). Special instruments
are
then inserted through the incisions
into the vitreous cavity.
These instruments include:
- a fibre optic light source to illuminate
the inside of the eye
- an infusion line to maintain the eye’s
shape during surgery
- instruments to cut and remove the vitreous
Vitreous is then removed and other
procedures are performed as required to
fully treat your condition.
Vitreous that has been removed from
the eye is replaced with a clear salt solution; such fluid comprises
99% of the natural
vitreous fluid; the part that makes
it a gel is a very small part. It is then naturally replaced by
the body over the course of several
hours. In some cases, depending on
exactly what your particular problem is, a special synthetic gas
or silicone oil may be applied
inside the eye. If synthetic gas is
used it is absorbed over time and replaced with the eye’s
natural fluid called aqueous. If silicone
oil is used it may have to be removed at a later date
but often can stay in long term.
The procedure
usually takes about one hour; however,
it may take longer or shorter than this depending on what other
condition
is present that requires treatment.
Stitches are not normally required.
Cataract
Removal: If a cataract is present, the surgeon may remove the cataract
during the vitrectomy, but
this will depend
on the circumstances of your case.
What Eye Conditions Require a Vitrectomy?
Some of the most common eye conditions that require a vitrectomy
are:
It is important to note that these conditions are all very different
and the outcome depends on the underlying disease. For instance,
removing annoying floaters is technically very straightforward
and the recovery time is very quick; diabetic retinopathy, on
the other hand, can be very severe and the vision may still be
significantly limited even following successful surgery.
What Happens after a Vitrectomy?
You will be able to go home on the day of surgery (it
is day stay surgery) and a patch will be placed over the eye.
This
is usually removed at the first post-operative
visit the next day.
Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops
will be given. You
will also be given tablets for pain
relief if you require them.
It is usual
to have some discomfort but not pain
for several days after surgery. Your eye may be red and there
may be mild
swelling around the eye.
Avoid bending,
strenuous tasks or heavy lifting for one week after surgery,
and don’t go swimming (especially without
goggles) for six weeks following surgery.
Depending
on the eye condition for which you were
treated, you may be required to lie in a certain position for
a period
of time following the vitrectomy because
you have gas in your eye. If intraocular
gas has been used it is vital to avoid
air travel for as long as there is
gas in the eye (your surgeon will advise
you how long this will be) because changes in air
pressure can damage the eye. A red
bracelet will also be given to you to
wear to alert any other doctors to the fact that
you have gas in your eye temporarily,
as it may interfere with some anaesthetic
agents.
How Long Does it Take for Vision to Recover?
This can vary
from days to weeks and even months
depending on the eye condition that
was treated.
Possible Complications of Vitrectomy
As with all surgical procedures
there are some risks associated with
a vitrectomy, although the risks are small. Possible complications
could include infection of the eye
that may require treatment with antibiotics,
bleeding that
may require a reoperation,
retinal detachment (which again requires
reoperation) and complications related
to the anaesthesia, whether local or general, although
all these are rare. Although it is
very rare, severe complications of surgery
could cause blindness.
It is common for cataract to develop
after a vitrectomy; especially if you
are over the age of 50 years or already have early cataract;
you may well develop a cataract that
may require surgery at some point.
THE
COMPLETE EYE-CARE SPECIALISTS
The specialists at the Eye Institute
are acknowledged leaders in ophthalmology,
including refractive surgery, laser,
cataract and glaucoma surgery. We also offer
expertise in retina, squint, eyelid
surgery, eye infections and inflammation,
and neuro-ophthalmology.
Our focus on excellence prompted
us to develop New Zealand’s
first purpose-built day-stay hospital.
This enables us to enhance our quality
of care while keeping costs amongst the lowest
in the eye care field.
As an added benefit
we also offer a special finance plan
to help you with your budgeting, go to:www.novamedical.co.nz
We
provide free video tapes and brochures answering common
questions about laser vision correction,
cataract surgery, retinal surgery, glaucoma, macular degeneration,
pterygium,
dry eyes and strabismus (squint). Please
don’t hesitate
to ask for more information
Eye Institute’s doctors Peter Hadden, Nick Mantell and team will help you find the best solution if you need to be tested, or if are diagnosed with an eye condition requiring a Vitrectomy. To make an appointment, or to find out more information, fill out our enquiry form, or contact Eye Institute's friendly team on free phone 0800 393 527.
Affiliated provider benefit to Cataract Patients
- no need for prior approval
- no money up front for surgery
- Southern Cross pays us directly
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