A vitrectomy is an ocular surgery where the vitreous gel is removed. This procedure is performed as an ambulatory procedure, under local anesthesia and sedation. The patient although awake, does not feel pain or discomfort as the surgery takes place. The duration of the surgery will depend on the problems that will be treated. Once the procedure is done, an eye patch is placed to removed the next day.

Eyedrops such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed as needed to help avoid infection and reduce inflammation. Sometimes intraocular pressure medication can be used.

During the postoperative period, consultation and follow-up are needed to help ensure proper recovery.

This procedure is performed with microsurgical instruments: fiber optic light, irrigatio cannula to help maintain intraocular pressure, and microsurgical instruments that cut or can remove the vitreous gel. These instruments are introduced through very small incision less than a mm wide.

While the vitreous is removed from the eye, it will be replaced with gas, air, water or silicon oil depending on the disease progression and what substance will provide better stability to the retina. It is usually necessary to maintain certain positions after the surgery. Your retinal specialist will tell you the best position to be in after surgery.

When the eye is filled with gas, the vision is very poor. As the gas is naturally replaced with water, the patient will notice vision improvement. Gas can take several weeks to be replaced by the body. Patients should avoid airplane travel or climbing high altitudes as the gas can expand and increase intraocular pressure.

On the other hand, silicone oil is not reabsorbed, and should be removed with another surgery when the retinal surgeon deems necessary. Silicone oil inside the eye is not a contraindication for airplane travel.

If necessary, other surgeries such as cataract surgery can be performed with vitrectomy.

Pneumatic retinopexy is popular technique which consists in injecting a bubble of gas inside the eye. Once inside it will expand and reapply the retina. Once the retina reattaches, the retinal tear is treated with laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy.

This technique is performed in cases with small superior retinal tears with a small retinal detachment.