Between the lens of the eye and the retinal tissue, the eyeball is filled with a clear jelly-like fluid called the vitreous. Light enters the eye through the lens and cornea. It passes through the jelly-like material (vitreous) and falls on a layer of tissue called the retina. This layer of tissue consists of nerve cells that interpret the received light and helps the brain in discerning them into images.
For the retina to perform its function efficiently it is crucial that the vitreous remains clear and is of the right consistency. Scar tissues caused due to abnormal growth of blood vessels at the back of the eye, lead to coagulation of blood and debris in the vitreous. This blocks the light passing through the vitreous and creates shadows on the retina causing blurry or impaired vision.
An eye surgery performed to correct conditions of the vitreous and retina is called vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, the surgeon removes the vitreous from the inside of your eye, conducts the needed repairs and replaces the vitreous with gas or air. Look for a vitrectomy surgery specialist in Vadodara, similar to Dr Aanal Shah, for a consultation.
MIVS Surgery:
Micro-Incision Vitreous Surgery, otherwise known as MIVS, is the latest and most technologically advanced procedure for conducting vitreoretinal surgeries. MIVS is preferred by most vitrectomy surgery specialists worldwide for managing a wide range of vitreoretinal disorders.
Apart from being a more efficient method of surgery, it also benefits the patients by allowing speedy recovery and better visual outcomes.
MIVS uses the most advanced medical instruments having the smallest diameters. This reduces the trauma during the surgery. There is also a reduced chance of catching infection or inflammation post-surgery.
Dr Aanal Shah is one of the best MIVS surgery specialists in Vadodara and is reachable at her clinic for consultations.
Recovery after Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is an outpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay. Usually, vitrectomy is performed alongside other eye procedures and therefore, the recovery time varies depending on the healing time of other procedures as well as postoperative complications, if any.
In general, it takes around 4 to 6 weeks for a patient to recover from a vitrectomy. Your doctor will advise you to refrain from certain activities like reading, driving, etc for some time after the surgery. Patients may also be advised to lie face down for a longer period as part of the recovery process. It is important to follow all the instructions given by your doctor after the surgery to avoid complications.
What are the restrictions after vitrectomy surgery?
After a vitreous surgery patients need to take care of the eye to ensure a speedy recovery. Patients may have to restrict themselves from:
- Lifting heavy things
- Moving your head quickly
- Cleaning or gardening activities
- Activities that strain your eye
- Lying on your back. This will make the gas or air bubble move in front of your eye creating pressure on the lens instead of the retina
Patients will also have to sleep face-down for as long as their doctor tells them to. This is so that the gas or air bubble that has been replaced in place of the vitreous does not create pressure in the front of the eye rather than the back.
FAQs
What is sutureless vitrectomy?
A sutureless vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that does not require the use of stitches. This type of surgery is typically used to treat conditions that affect the retina, such as macular hole or retinal detachment.
How long before I can drive after a vitrectomy?
Every case differs however it is recommended that you do not drive for at least 24 hours after a vitrectomy.
How do you sleep after vitrectomy surgery?
Most people are able to sleep after vitrectomy surgery, although some may experience some discomfort. It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, which may include sleeping with the head of the bed elevated and avoiding strenuous activity.