Vitreoretinal Surgery

Vitreoretinal surgery is a type of surgical procedure that is performed to treat conditions that affect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and the vitreous, the clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye.

There are several types of vitreoretinal surgery, including:

1. Vitrectomy: This procedure involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from the eye, and is typically used to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, diabetic retinopathy, and vitreous hemorrhage. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the eye, and a tiny instrument called a vitrector is used to remove the vitreous gel.
2. Scleral buckle: This procedure involves placing a small silicone or plastic band around the eye to push the sclera (the white part of the eye) inward and relieve tension on the retina, which can help to repair a retinal detachment.
3. Retinal laser surgery: This procedure uses a laser to create small burns on the retina, which can be used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and some types of macular degeneration.
4. Intravitreal injections: These are injections of medication directly into the vitreous gel of the eye, and are often used to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion.

Vitreoretinal surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and the specific procedure used will depend on the patient’s individual condition and needs. It is important to have a thorough consultation with a vitreoretinal surgeon to determine if surgery is appropriate and which procedure is best for you.