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, cataracts, 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.
