Vitrectomy

The vitrectomy surgery has been a revolutionary advancement in technology that allows us to treat retinal diseases and prevent vision loss. Generally, a vitrectomy takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of operation, but may be significantly longer depending on the surgical indication and complexity of the case.

Techniques

In order to achieve optimum results, your surgeon may use several special techniques, including:
 

Intraocular Gases

These gases are used to flatten a detached retina and keep it attached as healing of laser or cryopexy (freezing) around retinal tears occurs. Gas is also used to close macular holes. The advantage of intraocular gases is that the body absorbs them over the course of several weeks. Until about 50% of the gas instilled into the eye has disappeared on its own, vision is usually limited to the level of hand motions. Patients must avoid travel to high altitudes and flying as long as the gas is still in the eye, because gas will expand under those circumstances and can cause dangerously high pressures in the eye. Also, patients usually will be required to keep their head in a certain position for an extended period of time to ensure the success of the treatment. Possible short- and long-term complications of intraocular gas are cataracts and glaucoma.
 

Silicone Oil

In some instances, silicone oil is used instead of intraocular gases, particularly when long-term support of the retina is needed. In contrast to the intraocular gases, silicone oil remains in the eye indefinitely unless it is surgically removed. Usually the oil is left in place for several months, but in certain instances it may desirable to keep it in the eye for years. Vision is less affected by the silicone oil compared to intraocular gases. Positioning is less critical, making this procedure more conducive for children and the elderly with neck or back problems. Risk factors include cataracts and glaucoma as well as possible damage to the cornea.
 

Endophotocoagulation

Lasers are often used during vitrectomy eye surgery to surround retinal tears and prevent future leakage of vitreous fluid under the retina. Laser is also used to treat damaged retina in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
 

Microsurgical Instruments

There are several instruments used to remove scar tissue and foreign bodies such as forceps, scissors, and picks. There are hundreds of vitrectomy instruments available to assist surgeons. Most vitreoretinal tools are smaller than 1mm in diameter, making them some of the most precise and finely crafted instruments available today.
 

Scleral Buckling

This is a technique used on its own to repair a retinal detachment or combined with a vitrectomy procedure to offer additional support in reattaching the retina. Learn more about the scleral buckle procedure on the Retinal Detachment page.
 

Lensectomy

A lensectomy is often performed when a cloudy natural lens (cataract) prevents the surgeon from clearly viewing the ocular structures behind it. It involves surgically removing the eye’s crystalline lens during the eye vitrectomy procedure. In some instances, a lensectomy may also be necessary to remove scar tissue during more complex retinal detachment procedures. The lens can be replaced with a clear lens implant either during the same surgical procedure or at a later date.

Risks

Several risks involved include bleeding, cataracts, glaucoma, detachment or re-detachment of the retina, and ultimately vision loss. We will thoroughly discuss your treatment and potential risks involved so you can make an educated decision about your treatment.

Vitrectomy Specialists in New York

The ophthalmologists who comprise the best retina specialists in New York are experts in vitrectomy eye surgery and hold academic appointments at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York University, and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Our retina doctors are internationally known leaders in vitrectomy surgery have trained and taught at some of the world’s finest and most respected academic institutions. With a state-of-the-art ophthalmology center in Manhattan, VRMNY is the largest retina vitreous center in the New York Metropolitan area.

As the best-in-class New York vitrectomy specialists, our doctors of Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York provide highly personalized and comprehensive eye care. They have earned some of the most respected reputations in NYC. For more information about the vitrectomy procedure, advances in instrumentation, techniques, and understanding of diseases of the vitreous and retina we treat, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.