What Is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that treats disorders of the retina and vitreous. Your ophthalmologist may recommend vitrectomy surgery to treat the following eye problems:

Diabetic retinopathy, where there is bleeding and scar tissue
Some retinal detachments
Infection of the eye
Severe eye injury
Wrinkling of the retina (macular pucker)
Macular hole (partial loss of vision for fine details)
Certain problems after cataract surgery

The Procedure

The length of the operation varies from one to several hours, depending on your condition. In certain situations, your ophthalmologist may do another surgical procedure at the same time, such as repairing a detached retina or removing a cataract.

Your ophthalmologist does the operation while looking into your eye with a microscope. Various miniature instruments are placed into the eye through tiny incisions in the sclera (white part of the eye).

After Surgery

You can expect some discomfort after surgery. You will need to wear an eye patch for a short time. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe eye drops for you and advise when to resume normal activity.

What Are The Risks?

All types of surgery have certain risks. Some of the risks of vitrectomy are infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, poor vision, high pressure in the eye and cataracts. However, the risks are less than the expected benefits to your vision.

How Much Will Your Vision Improve?

Your vision after surgery will depend on many variables, especially if your eye disease caused permanent damage to your retina. It is best to discuss with your ophthalmologist how much improvement in your eyesight is possible.

What Our Patients Say

Becky

"Every person who works here is very professional. My appointment with Dr. Zatorsky was was so entailed .He explained everything about the screening test I had in full detail. He answered all my questions and made me feel extremely confident. This is an excellent eye care clinic!"

Dee

"I cannot say enough positive things about how pleased I am with my cataract surgery! The personal interaction with Doctor Van Horn and all his staff members put me at ease during the entire time I was there! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Lona

"Awesome in every way. Docs and staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They offer many services along with their own shop for glasses and supplies."

Ben

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Marsha

"Laurel Eye staff are wonderful. The behind the scene staff are just as great! Tawnya, billing department is an exceptional employee! She goes above and beyond for her customer. I appreciate it so much!!
I had my cataract surgery by Dr. McLaughlin and his staff. My vision in my right eye is greatly improved. Excited for my left eye to get done this week. The professionalism of each staff member is top notch! I appreciate them all!"

Ciciel

"Dr. Andrew Batchelet is an excellent doctor. He did surgery for both my eyes in two weeks. He is very patient answering any questions you ask. His team is very nice welcoming you with a smile and very helpful. I recommend everyone to go to Dr. Batchelet if they need surgery in their eyes."

Janis

"Kind, caring, very reassuring. Great explanations. Excellent results on both cataract surgeries. Kudos to excellent staff members. Thank you to the OR staff. They give personal attention. I never felt like a number."

Vitrectomy Surgery