Vitrectomy is known as a type of surgical treatment widely used to resolve various alterations in which the retina and vitreous are involved, that is, the clear gel that fills the entire ocular cavity and is located behind the lens and, at the same time, At the same time, it has contact with the inner area of the retina. During this surgery, the specialist removes this substance known as vitreous since, on several occasions, it can wear out, becoming opaque and preventing the passage of light to the retina.
For all the above, the patient has difficulties seeing correctly, so this option of surgery allows the recovery of sight and, in turn, the quality of life of the person suffering from retinal problems. Suppose you are not sure about performing it and want to know more about this treatment in the following FastlyHealarticle. In that case, you will find all the Care after a vitrectomy and more information about it.
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What is a vitrectomy, and what is it for?
Generally, this surgery option is applied to those who have lost the transparency of the vitreous due to some pathology or alteration in it. However, this type of treatment can be used even when the vitreous is in good condition since many times it is essential to remove it to have access to the retina and to be able to treat various eye disorders in which it is involved.
In general terms, vitrectomy serves to improve the health of the patient both when it is affected by the gel in the oral cavity and various alterations that alter the retina and damage the correct vision of people. Some of the pathologies that require this surgical treatment for their improvement are:
- Detachment of the retina.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Serious eye injury or trauma.
- Macular degeneration, new membranes, macular holes, and other macular pathologies.
- A consequence of a cataract surgery complication.
- Alterations related to high myopia.
- Complications arise from the disease known as uveitis.
- Eye inflammation.
Possible sequelae of vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a surgery that is performed on an outpatient basis so that it can last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the pathology and its severity; however, when the ophthalmologist needs to repair other tissues, the patient may receive anesthesia local with sedation, although everything will depend on the type of surgical process that is required.
Generally, the process begins with removing all the vitreous gel using various instruments that enter the eye through tiny incisions in the sclera, the name by which the whites of the eyes are known. The way to continue will depend on the disorder to be treated, so the retina can be reapplied using various elements. Then the breaks must be sealed with a laser to finally replace the vitreous by filling the ocular cavity with silicones that resemble the extracted gel.
Although it is surgery with few risks and considered very low, like all surgical treatments, these can happen. However, they are much less than the benefits of undergoing a vitrectomy. After this treatment, the possible risks that the patient could present are intraocular infections, retinal detachment, bleeding, or an increase in eye pressure, especially if the patient is elderly, so there is also the possibility that cataracts appear in these people.
In addition to the low probability of suffering, these risks can be further reduced by going to a trusted specialized center and undergoing the process with a known and recommended ophthalmic surgeon.
After having performed the surgery, the patient begins to improve his vision a few weeks later, although, in some cases, the results can be observed a few months after the procedure. The improvement in the person’s sight will depend on the damage that each tissue had before the surgical process.
Care after a vitrectomy
After completing the vitrectomy, the professional will place a patch on the patient’s treated eye, which they can remove every night to sleep. Usually, the eye only needs to be covered until the next day. However, this may vary depending on each case, so strictly following the professional’s instructions is essential. In this way, a more significant and better recovery can be guaranteed while helping to reduce the discomfort caused by surgical treatment.
Also, some ointment or drops may be prescribed for any discomfort you may feel. You can also use cold compresses in the area since it is widespread for inflammation to appear after the intervention. So, frequently, the intake of anti-inflammatories and over-the-counter pain relievers is advised.
If during surgery the professional decides that the use of a gas bubble is necessary, the patient must remain face down for the most extended amount of time so that it is reabsorbed and disappears completely after a few days. To avoid any eye damage, in patients undergoing a vitrectomy that requires a gas bubble, the person mustn’t travel by plane or be exposed to places with a height greater than 1000 meters.
Another care after vitrectomy is that you do not perform any sudden movement with the head, do high-intensity physical exercise, contact sports or lift heavy objects for at least a week.
It is advisable to see a doctor immediately if you have severe discomfort not relieved by medication or analgesics or feel a sharp, throbbing pain in the eye and postoperative bleeding.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.