Take care of your eyesight before the dark curtain falls on your eyes
The health of your eyes and the perfection of your eyesight is the most important condition that allows you to live the way you want. Therefore, vision problems should be recognized, diagnosed and addressed in the best possible way in a timely manner.
Flashes, lightning flashes, and black spots in the visual field are the most common symptoms that may indicate retinal damage. The solution to this problem is surgery, called vitrectomy.
It is one of the most complex microsurgical operations and is often the only solution for many diseases of the posterior segment of the eye. It is painless, it is performed with anesthesia in the form of drops and after the intervention you go home the same day. The experienced and professional medical team of Sistina Ophthalmology, which uses the most modern equipment to perform this intervention along with a lot of empathy, are part of the guarantee for successful treatment and surgery.
We continue with the answers of 5 W – who, what, when, where, why – for the interventions of Sistina Ophthalmology, this time for the vitrectomy.
Which patients need a vitrectomy?
In patients with changes in the inside of the eye as a result of various diseases or injuries, vitrectomy should usually be performed. This surgery treats advanced-stage diabetic retinopathy, bleeding in the eye as a result of diabetes, retinal detachment, infection, inflammation of the back of the eye, or damage to the center of vision. Patients with severe eye injuries or patients who require removal of lens masses after a complication during cataract surgery may also require this intervention.
What is a vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is a microsurgery – an eye operation that treats problems in the back segment of the eye (retina) and vitreous (a vitreous or gelatinous substance that fills most of the eye). During the operation, most of the vitreous is removed and replaced with another type of solution. The operation lasts about an hour depending on the weight, it is completely painless and safe. It is usually done under local anesthesia and the patient is conscious during the operation. Vitrectomy is performed through four small openings – less than 1 mm, on the white of the eye. Through the openings, the inside of the eye is accessed and with the endoscopic method, with the help of a microscope, the vitreous is removed, and the foreign substances (blood, inflammatory material, membranes, connective tissue) are cleaned. The vitreous is replaced with special gas or silicone oil, and the retinal holes are closed with a laser.
After the operation, the eye is not red or sore, and the recovery is fast. The patient can go home a few hours after the intervention. The therapy consists of drops and ointments that should be applied regularly to the eye to prevent infection. The first control examination will be done the next day.
When should a vitrectomy be performed?
The first symptoms of posterior segment disease are often just flashes, lightning-like flashes, and black spots in the visual field if a small amount of blood appears in the vitreous space when the retina ruptures. The condition worsens with the appearance of a “curtain” in the field of view. When the detachment reaches the center of vision or the macula, which can occur within one to two days, vision is greatly reduced and you can no longer read or recognize other people.
Timely vitrectomy prevents diseases that lead to severe reduction and loss of vision.
Why should a vitrectomy be performed?
In retinal ablation, the time of intervention, i.e. reaction and timely arrival of the examination is especially important to save the good function of the vision.
In order to be able to see, light must pass through the eye and reach the retina, which is made up of nerve cells and fibers that are sensitive to light and transmit information to the brain in order to form an image of what we see. Various diseases can cause clouding of the vitreous fluid, blood clots, remnants of inflammation (pus, membranes) or connective tissue (scar) of the retina. This prevents light from reaching the retina and causes problems and reduced vision. Removing this blurred vitreous can solve or improve the vision problem.
Sometimes the retina, due to the appearance of holes (ruptures) separates from the tissue that surrounds it and which serves as its base. Then there is a sudden loss of vision. In this case, the surgeon with vitrectomy can reach the retina, repair it and return it to its original position.
Delaying the operation is not good for the end result.
Where is the best place to have a vitrectomy?
Immediately after the first symptoms, you should go to Sistina Ophthalmology, because only there, in just one day, they will organize the surgical process. The team of Sistina Ophthalmology has great experience, is professional and well-coordinated, and the equipment they use is state-of-the-art. In addition to excellent hospital conditions, there you will have a friendly relationship with the staff members, they will have patience and understanding for all your dilemmas and doubts, and together you will come to the best solution for your vision.
It is exactly that human attitude and empathy that is their greatest asset.
Therefore, do not wait for a dark curtain to fall in front of your eyes, go for regular examinations at Sistina Ophthalmology.