Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the altered vitreous body of the eye and scarred tissues, as well as the upper layers of the retina, to prevent traction and detachment.
Causes
The reasons for performing vitrectomy may include significant loss of the vitreous body due to surgical intervention, as well as trauma; opacities; retinal detachment; diabetic retinopathy; recurrent bleeding into the eye; retinopathy that occurs due to prematurity.
Materials
In modern medical practice, materials such as a safe gas mixture; silicone oil; perfluorocarbon liquid crystal substances are used as substitutes for the vitreous body. Additionally, ophthalmic surgeons may use balanced saline solutions and artificial polymer compositions.
Vitrectomy in Israel
After thorough and comprehensive diagnostics and the designation of vitrectomy as the only effective treatment method for the vitreous body, planned hospitalization begins. In some types of diseases, outpatient surgery may also be possible. Two types of anesthesia can be used for treatment, either local or parenteral. Such an operation typically lasts about one to two hours. Throughout the operation, the ophthalmic surgeon makes up to seven punctures, creating openings for the removal of the altered vitreous body. Then, they cauterize areas of the retina using a laser, forming its normal and correct position. Vitrectomy may be performed multiple times if one is not sufficient. The materials replacing the eye fluid can remain inside for ten days and for many years, depending on the materials used. Silicone oil is a long-lasting substitute, replacing the eye fluid from a couple of months to many years. A slightly less durable substitute, perfluorocarbon-based compounds, remain in the eye cavity for about ten days. Gas mixtures and saline solutions are replaced by the eye fluid themselves.
Prevention
The surgical intervention does not end everything.
Subsequently, it is required:
- regular ophthalmologist check-ups
- reducing various physical overloads
- limiting eye strain
- sudden temperature changes in the environment
- preferential use of ground transportation to avoid pressure fluctuations.