Vitrectomy

In some complex retinal detachments it is necessary to use a surgical technique called vitrectomy. This operation cuts the vitreous away from the retina and removes the shrunken vitreous.  The vitreous is the transparent gel that fills the cavity of the eyeball between the lens and retina.

This procedure removes or releases the fibers that are tugging on or growing over the retina. The fibers and vitreous are removed and replaced with either saline, a temporary gas bubble, or a silicone bubble.

Detachments treated with this technique sometimes represent some of the most complex retinal detachments that retina specialists deal with, and decisions are made on an individual case-by-case basis regarding the technique that will be used in each patient's care.