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Vitrectomy
One of the main uses of vitrectomy is to remove blood from the middle of the eye, a condition called vitreous hemorrhage. When vitreous hemorrhage occurs, some doctors may recommend waiting several months to a year to see whether the vitreous gel will clear on its own before they perform a surgery that can have serious complications.
But if the hemorrhage is causing severe vision loss or is preventing treatment of severe retinopathy, surgery may be performed sooner rather than later. Some studies have shown that long-term results are better with early vitrectomy.
There are a few ways to repair a retinal detachment. The chance that each surgery type can help restore good vision varies from case to case. The cause, location, and type of detachment usually determine which surgery will work best. Other conditions or eye problems may also play a role in the decision.
You may need more than one surgery to reattach the retina. The growth of scar tissue on the surface of the retina often leads to failure of retinal detachment surgery.
Complete the surgery information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 26, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology | |
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