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Surgery of the Interior of
the Eyeball with vitrectomy
What is vitrectomy?
This is a very delicate operation performed with an
operating microscope and special needle-sized instruments.
The most common indication for this operation is removal of
the vitreous, which has lost its transparency and,
therefore, has become an obstacle to the incoming light. In
this surgery most of the non-transparent vitreous is removed
and replaced with a clear solution. Vitrectomy may also be
used to remove the pulling forces of the vitreous, which may
have led to detachment of the retina. This operation may
also be used to remove blood clots, infectious material,
cataract, foreign bodies, and abnormal membranes from the
interior of the eyeball. Sometimes it is done for diagnostic
purposes for diseases of unknown origin. Occasionally it may
be necessary to inject air, gas, or silicone oil into the
eye after removing the vitreous gel.
How is the operation performed?
The surgery may be done under general anaesthesia (sound
asleep) or under local anaesthesia (you are awake but feel
no pain). The operation takes two to four hours. Usually one
operation is sufficient, occasionally additional surgery may
be required. The eyelashes are cut but they always grow
back. Most patients stay in hospital for one or two days;
longer hospitalization may sometimes be necessary. A
face-down position for sleeping may be suggested for several
days. The operated eye will be bandaged for one day.
Occasionally both eyes may need to be bandaged to ensure
complete ocular rest.
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