Risk of Having a Vitrectomy

If a person experiences retinal detachment, a condition in which there is damage to the retina, immediate action must be taken in order to prevent further damage and loss of sight. One of the procedures that may be necessary is called a vitrectomy, and though it sounds terrifying and carries a risk of complications that may occur, it's often necessary to save a person's eyesight.

Vitrectomy

• A vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye. The eye is cut using small surgical tools, and the vitreous gel is suctioned out in order to give better access to the back of the eye and the retina. Afterward, the eye is filled with gas or silicone oil in order to restore the pressure from the now removed vitreous gel.

Glaucoma

• A possible complication of a vitrectomy is neurovascular glaucoma. This occurs when new blood vessels grow after the surgery and block drainage ducts. This causes a back up of fluids which puts pressure on the eye. In roughly 3 percent of patients who develop this condition, it results in permanent blindness.

Fluid Buildup

• There is a risk that there will be a fluid buildup in the clear covering of the eye after a vitrectomy is performed. This is commonly referred to as a corneal edema, and it can lead to a build up of pressure on the eye, blurred vision and damage to the tissues.

Infection

• As with any surgery, there is always the risk of infection. A vitrectomy is no different, and there is a risk for infection around the eye, in the eye and in the retina when the procedure is performed. This is a complication that surgeons strive to avoid, but it has been known to occur.

Bleeding

• Often times a vitrectomy is performed because there was bleeding into the vitreous gel in the eye. Once the gel is suctioned out and then replaced, the original problem of bleeding may recur. This could lead to permanent blindness or severe damage in the eye of the patient experiencing this recurring symptom.