What to Expect During and After Your Vitrectomy

If you're preparing for a vitrectomy, you probably have some questions. In our latest blog, we outline what to expect throughout the procedure and the recovery. From pre-surgery to post-operative care, here’s what you need to know.

Seeing may seem like a simple process, but it involves many different parts of your eye. The cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve are all vital to vision, yet they are only a small portion of your eye. Most of your eye's volume is taken up by the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance that helps maintain the shape of your eyes. In specific cases, the vitreous humor needs to be removed because of a specific eye condition—a procedure known as vitrectomy.

In this post, we’ll explore what a vitrectomy is, why it’s performed, and what to expect during and after the procedure. If you're in the Muncie, Indiana, area and you need expert care for your eye health, Dr. Jeffrey Rapkin and the Retina Consultants of Muncie are here to help.

What is a vitrectomy?

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the gel-like substance (vitreous humor) inside your eye and replaces it with saline, gas, air, or silicone oil. The vitreous itself is not typically the issue, but it may need to be removed if it’s infected, inflamed, or bleeding. Most often, Dr. Rapkin performs a vitrectomy to access other areas of your eye, such as your retina, that would be difficult to reach otherwise.

Why is a vitrectomy necessary?

Removing the vitreous humor in your eye can help with a number of eye problems, including:

Diabetic retinopathy: abnormal retinal blood vessels leaking into the vitreous

Macular hole: a tear in the center of your retina

Macular pucker: creases or wrinkles in the same area

Severe injury: major eye punctures or scratches

Retinal detachment: when a retinal tear is bad enough to dislodge and float in your eye

Endophthalmitis: infection in your eye

What happens during and after the procedure?

The procedure starts with Dr. Rapkin numbing and dilating your eye. Next, he makes an incision on the outer layer and cuts into the sclera (white layer). Using specialized tools, Dr. Rapkin removes the vitreous humor, clearing away any debris, scar tissue, or abnormalities.

Once the vitreous is removed, he repairs your eye, and introduces the replacement fluid. Eyes heal quickly on their own, but stitches may be needed to close the incision. Dr. Rapkin finishes by applying some ointment and fitting you with an eye patch.

Make plans for a relative or friend to drive you home after surgery. You’ll receive a prescription for antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. You’ll return for a follow-up appointment a day or two after surgery, with additional check-ups in the following weeks to monitor your recovery.

A vitrectomy is a precise procedure for treating various types of eye damage. If you have concerns about your eye health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rapkin and the team at Retina Consultants of Muncie today.