Vitreoretinal Surgery

Scleral Buckling

This treatment involves placing a flexible band (scleral buckle) around the eye gently pressing inward and holding the retina in position. This procedure is performed in an operating room.

Pneumatic Retinopexy

In this procedure, a gas bubble is injected into the vitreous space inside the eye. As the bubble rises, it presses the detached retina against the back wall of the eye to seal the retinal tear. Your ophthalmologist will ask you to maintain a certain head position for several days. The body usually absorbs the bubble within one to three weeks.

Vitrectomy

If you have a lot of blood in the center of the eye (vitreous gel), you may need a vitrectomy to restore your sight. If you need vitrectomies in both eyes, they are usually done several weeks apart. A vitrectomy is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Your doctor makes a tiny incision in your eye. Next, a small instrument is used to remove the vitreous gel that is clouded with blood. The vitreous gel is replaced with a salt solution. Because the vitreous gel is mostly water, you will notice no change between the salt solution and the original vitreous gel. You will probably be able to return home after the vitrectomy. Some people stay in the hospital overnight. Your eye will be red and sensitive. You will need to wear an eye patch for a few days or weeks to protect your eye. You also will need to use medicated eyedrops to protect against infection.