Vitrectomy

About Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel that fills the back of the eye, giving the surgeon access to the retina. It is used to repair retinal detachments, close macular holes, peel scar membranes from the retinal surface, clear vitreous hemorrhage, treat complications of diabetic retinopathy, remove dislocated lens fragments and manage severe eye infections. In modern pars plana vitrectomy, small ports are placed through the white of the eye a few millimeters behind the cornea, and a fine cutting instrument, a light source and an infusion line are inserted. Instruments have become progressively smaller, allowing sutureless surgery in many cases. At the end of the operation the eye may be filled with saline, a gas bubble or silicone oil to support the retina while it heals, and some patients must maintain a specific head position for a period afterward. Gas in the eye makes air travel and some anesthetic gases unsafe until it is absorbed. The modern procedure was pioneered by Robert Machemer around 1970.