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Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the
vitreous gel from the middle of the
eye 
. It may be done when there is a
retinal detachment, since removing the vitreous gel
gives your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) better access to the
back of the eye. The vitreous gel may also be removed if blood in the vitreous
gel (vitreous hemorrhage) does not clear on its own.
During a vitrectomy, the surgeon inserts small instruments into the eye, cuts the vitreous gel, and suctions it out. After removing the vitreous gel, the surgeon may treat the retina with a laser (photocoagulation), cut or remove fibrous or scar tissue from the retina, flatten areas where the retina has become detached, or repair tears or holes in the retina or macula.
At the end of the surgery, silicone oil or a gas is injected into the eye to replace the vitreous gel and restore normal pressure in the eye.
Vitrectomy is always done by an eye doctor who has special training in treating problems of the retina.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 26, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology | |
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