Through one of these incisions, an infusion cannula is placed and sutured into place. This allows constant infusion of saline solution to keep the eye inflated at the proper pressure. Vitreous gel and blood are sucked into the port, cut off by the blade, and removed from the eye. The surgeon watches through a contact lens on the eye, looking through a microscope. After the blood and vitreous are removed, any additional treatment needed can be performed, including laser treatment, cautery of bleeding sites, and removal of scar tissue.
Vitrectomy is a very useful procedure, but it does have potential risks and complications.
This recurrent bleeding tends to clear more quickly then the initial hemorrhage, and usually does not require further surgery, but does slow the return of vision. For these reasons, vitrectomy is used only when the potential risks are outweighed by the benefits expected. In cases with relatively mild hemorrhage, patients are often better off waiting for the blood to clear on its own, despite the inconvenience of decreased vision for several months. In cases where the blood has not cleared spontaneously in 4-6 months, or where waiting would be dangerous due to retinal detachment or untreated progressing neovascularization, early surgery is indicated. Country Hills Eye Center Inc. All Rights Reserved.