-
Overview
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Special Techniques
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What to expect after surgery?
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How should the eye feel?
-
When does the vision improve?
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Postoperative instructions
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get more information?
The
vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like
substance that fills the center of the eye. It makes up approximately 2/3 of
the eye's volume, giving it form and shape before birth. Certain problems
affecting the back of the eye may require a vitrectomy, or surgical removal of
the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes
aqueous and nutritive fluids.
A vitrectomy
may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue,
or to relieve traction on the
retina. Blood, inflammatory cells,
debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the
retina, resulting in blurred vision. The vitreous is also removed if it is
pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.
Some of the
most common eye conditions that require vitrectomy include:
·
Complications from
diabetic retinopathy such as retinal
detachment or bleeding
·
Macular hole
·
Retinal detachment
·
Pre-retinal membrane fibrosis
·
Bleeding inside the
eye (vitreous hemorrhage)
·
Injury or infection
·
Certain problems
related to previous eye surgery
The retinal
surgeon performs the procedure through a microscope and special lenses designed
to provide a clear image of the back of the eye. Several tiny incisions just a
few millimeters in length are made on the
sclera. The retinal surgeon inserts
microsurgical instruments through the incisions such as:
·
Fiber optic light
source to illuminate inside the eye
·
Infusion line to
maintain the eye's shape during surgery
·
Instruments to cut
and remove the vitreous.
Vitrectomy is
often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as retinal detachment
repair,
macular hole surgery, and macular membrane
peel. The length of the surgery depends on whether additional procedures are
required and the overall health of the eye.
The retinal
surgeon may use special techniques along with vitrectomy to treat the retina.
Your surgeon will determine if any of these are appropriate for your eye:
·
Sealing blood
vessels - Laser is sometimes used to stop tiny retinal vessels from bleeding
inside the eye
·
Gas bubble - A small
gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to help seal a macular hole.
·
Silicone oil - After
reattachment surgery, the eye may be filled with silicone oil to keep the retina
in position.
The eye is
patched after the first postoperative checkup. This can usually be removed the
same evening at bedtime. Since the anesthesia numbs the lids and temporarily
prevents blinking, it is very important to keep the eye patch on until you are
able to blink the eye normally. Begin using drops after the patch has been
removed.
It is common to
experience some discomfort immediately after the surgery and for several days
afterward. This is primarily related to swelling on the outside of the eye and
around the eyelids. A scratchy feeling or occasional sharp pain is normal.
Ice compresses
gently placed on the swollen areas (ice placed inside a resealable plastic bag
work well) reduce the aching and soreness. Tylenol is also helpful for minor
aching.
If you have
a deep ache or throbbing pain that does not respond to Tylenol or other
over-the-counter pain medication, please call the office.
Redness is
common and gradually diminishes over time. Some patients may notice a patch of
blood on the outside of the eye. This is similar to bruising on the skin and
slowly resolves on its own.
Because
vitrectomy is performed for many different problems and often in conjunction
with other eye surgeries, the recovery period varies with the individual. In
some cases, such as macular hole surgery, the surgeon may place a gas bubble
inside the eye that places gentle pressure on the macula. This may require
special head positioning to keep the bubble positioned correctly.
Dilating drops
(red cap bottle) may be prescribed that keep the pupil of the operated eye
large, causing be light sensitivity.
Since
vitrectomy is often performed along with other procedures, postoperative
instructions may vary. Some general guidelines are provided; however, please
consult with your surgeon for specific instructions.
1. Begin using
any anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops prescribed by your physician
immediately after your eye patch has been removed.
2. Wear the
plastic eye shield when sleeping for the first 7 days following surgery. The
shield should be worn for the first 3 days following surgery when showering.
3. Avoid
bending, stooping, lifting objects over 5 pounds, or any strenuous activity for
one week (unless directed otherwise by your physician).
4. Take
Tylenol or gently apply ice compresses to the eye to relieve mild discomfort.
5. Follow any
special instructions given by your physician for head positioning (this is not
necessary in all cases).
Q: May I read
or watch TV after surgery?
A: Yes. Using
your eye following surgery will not damage or hurt the eye.
Q: Do I need
to wear sunglasses?
A: Sunglasses
are recommended for everyone, but are especially encouraged after surgery. We
recommend wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Q: How long
will my vision remained blurred after surgery?
A: This is
dependent on many individual factors such as your overall eye health and the
procedures performed along with the vitrectomy. Most patients notice that their
vision begins to improve approximately 1 week after surgery.
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box
to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser
window will open. For emails, your default email program will
open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you
prefer not to open new windows.
ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Newsletter -
newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive
news and updates, discounts and promotions)
BLOG. Send us your comments.
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
|
|
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VITRECTOMY information compiled by
Dr.
Edmin Michael G. Santos and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.
Last updated on
September 13, 2007. |
