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During a vitrectomy, the vitreous humour is removed from the eye with the aim of restoring clear vision.
The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic. A vitrectomy is often a day case, however some patients may be required to stay in hospital overnight.
Your consultant will make miniscule incisions in the sclera of the eye and then use surgical tools to break up the vitreous humour and remove it via suction.
As the vitreous humour does not naturally regenerate, your consultant will use a substance such as saline, air or silicone to replace it and support the retina and general structure of the eye.
If required, incision points will be sealed using fine, dissolvable stitches.
Before surgery, your consultant should tell you of any pre-operative assessments needed.
Depending on the individual patient and what the consultant deems necessary, these can include heart screenings, eye measurements and blood tests.
Your consultant will also need to know what medication you are taking. Depending on the anaesthetic used, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything before your surgery.
Your consultant will advise you on this in advance.
Following surgery, your consultant will advise you on medication and recovery.
It may take several months to determine the full effect of the procedure.
You may be required to keep your head in a certain position for set amounts of time during the day. This is to allow the gas or fluid which was inserted into the eye to support the retina.
Your eye may be inflamed and painful for a number of weeks after the surgery.
To help aid recovery, it’s advised that you avoid swimming, strenuous exercise and getting foreign substances in the eye.
You must not drive until the legal minimum standard of vision has returned.
As with any surgery, a vitrectomy has some level of risk.
Risks may include:
- Developing an eye infection (endophthalmitis)
- Internal bleeding within the eye
- Retinal detachment
- Swelling and bruising to the eyes
- An adverse reaction to the anaesthetic used
The cost of having a vitrectomy can vary depending on the consultant performing the procedure.
Prices can also vary between hospital and region.
A fixed cost for vitrectomy will be given following an initial consultation.
If your vision is being impaired by your vitreous humour, a vitrectomy can help restore your vision.
By choosing to have your vitrectomy at a Circle Health hospital, you will benefit from:
- Fast access to a consultant, often within 24 hours
- Dedicated clinical care from a multi-disciplinary team
- Flexible payment plans for self-pay patients
- Easy access to treatment for those with private medical insurance
Circle Health has over 55 locations across England and Scotland, offering patients all over the UK access to fast and affordable private healthcare.
