What is vitreoretinal surgery?

Vitreoretinal surgery is a type of eye surgery that involves the removal of the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, and the repair of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. This type of surgery is typically performed to treat a variety of retinal conditions, including retinal detachment, macular holes, and diabetic retinopathy. During vitreoretinal surgery, the surgeon will create small incisions in the eye and use specialized instruments to remove the vitreous and repair any damage to the retina. This can be done using a variety of techniques, including traditional open surgery, minimally invasive vitrectomy, and laser surgery.

The following are some of the most common conditions that are treated with vitreoretinal surgery:

- Retinal detachment: This occurs when the retina separates from the choroid, the layer of tissue that supplies blood to the retina.

- Macular holes: These are small holes that can develop in the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp central vision. This condition is known as an epiretinal membrane.

- Diabetic retinopathy: This complication of diabetes affects the blood vessels of the retina and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.