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Vitrectomy Surgery

What is vitrectomy surgery?

Vitrectomy is a surgery to remove the vitreous, the transparent gel inside the eye, using very small instruments. Vitrectomy surgery is performed with the aid of local anaesthetic (small injection of anaesthetic solution around the eye) as day surgery. Your eye will be numbed and you will not feel any pain, although you may feel some pressure sensation during the surgery.

The surgery often takes about 45 minutes. Depending on the reason for your surgery additional procedures may be required; these will be discussed with you prior to the surgery.

Eye anatomy | Mr Ellabban

With modern technology, vitrectomy surgery has become a safe and quick surgery. Mr Ellabban has diverse experience in retinal surgery and offers state-of-the-art suture-less retinal surgery for a range of retinal disorders.

What are the indications of the surgery?

Vitrectomy surgery is indicated for the treatment of various eye problems, such as:

vitreous haemorrhage I Mr Ellabban

Vitrectomy surgery for diabetic vitreous haemorrhage

diabetic retinopathy I Mr Ellabban

After surgery

Vitrectomy surgery to remove scar tissue on the retina

How is the surgery performed?

Vitrectomy surgery involves making 3 small incisions (less than 1 mm) through the white of the eye (sclera) to get access to the back of the eye. One incision for a microscope light, the second for an instrument to cut the vitreous (gel inside the eye) and the third for fluid infusion to maintain the pressure inside the eye.
Once the gel is removed, it is replaced with normal fluid that will maintain the eye function. On some occasions, a replacement may be indicated to split the retina as air or gas or silicone oil.
Vitrectomy Surgery | Mr Ellabban

What will happen afterwards?

Mr Ellabban will arrange a review after the surgery, to monitor the healing process of the retina. You will be monitored with the aid of retinal scans to assess the healing process and restoration of the retinal layers. If your surgery required a splint for the retina (e.g gas), your vision may be blurred for a few weeks. Mr Ellabban will discuss with you in detail the aftercare.

What are the risks of vitrectomy surgery?

With modern technology, vitrectomy surgery has a high success rate and complications are unusual. Like any surgery, there is a small risk of complications such as:

  • Infection
  • Prolonged Inflammation
  • Bleeding
  • Retinal detachment
  • Increased eye pressure
  • Distortion or alteration of vision

The risks of the surgery can vary depending on the reason for the surgery. Mr. Ellabban will discuss with you the details of the surgery and if there are any specific risks from the procedure.

What do I need to do after the surgery?

You are advised to follow the instructions you were given after the surgery by Mr Ellabban and the nursing team. In general, there are important points to follow, after retinal surgery:

  • Put the drops as you were instructed.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and straining for 2 weeks.
  • Avoid getting soap or shampoo or any chemicals into your eye for 4 weeks.
  • Avoid swimming for 12 weeks.
  • You must not drive until you reach the minimum legal standard of vision.
  • It is normal for the eye to appear red or uncomfortable for a few days after the surgery which will gradually get better over time.

Contact us

If you have any questions about your vitrectomy surgery, you can contact us by filling out the form in the contact section.

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