Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is the removal of the gel-like substance within the eye called the vitreous humor. This is done because the vitreous can cause various eye problems that can only be treated surgically.

This is done in the operating room under a surgical microscope while the patient is lying on their back while under local anesthesia with sedation (where the patient is awake but relaxed and pain-free) or general anesthesia (where the patient is asleep).

Small incisions are made in the wall of the eye that allow micro instruments such as tweezers, fiber optic lights, or lasers to enter and exit. Also, the vitrector is used to cut and aspirate the vitreous.

Intraocular gas is sometimes used as a pneumatic retinopexy. Silicone oil is sometimes used instead of gas if a longer term agent is required within the eye to support any present pathologies.

The scleral buckle can sometimes be used in conjunction with flat paired vitrectomy. Patients generally go home the same day.

Conditions in which a vitrectomy may be necessary include diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular hole, removal of lens fragments or intraocular lenses after cataract surgery, and others.