Vitrectomy Recovery Time

Majority of the vitrectomy candidates are elderly patients, who are diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or detached retina. In the former case, the blood vessels in the retina is damaged; whereas in case of retinal detachment, the two retinal layers are separated from each other. Both these cases require immediate medical attention. If left untreated, they may worsen and cause loss of vision. Vitrectomy eye surgery is also recommended for people who have blood contamination in the vitreous gel. For understanding vitrectomy recovery time and healing process, let's discuss first about the surgical procedure.

Vitrectomy Surgery: Information

Vitrectomy is an eye surgery, conducted for removal of the vitreous humor (or vitreous gel), which fills up the space in the middle eye. Depending on the patients needs doctor may advice anterior vitrectomy or pars plana vitrectomy for him or her. During the 2-3 hours for vitrectomy procedure, the ophthalmologist cuts the vitreous gel by introducing a small device, after which the vitreous humor is suctioned out. After getting rid of the gel (partially or completely), the eye surgeon can have an easy access to the retina and correct the defects. Once treatment is done, the doctor fills up the middle eye space with silicone oil or gas-air mixture, so as to maintain the same normal pressure as it was exerted by the vitreous gel.

Vitrectomy Recovery Time: Explained

Following vitrectomy procedure, the patient is expected to stay for one night in the hospital. In some cases, it is conducted as an outpatient procedure and the candidate is discharged the same day. Similar to any other type of surgical procedure, there are certain vitrectomy complications, which may be observed immediately after surgery or a few days after the procedure. Probable conditions include redness, swelling, increased pain, eye floaters, blurred vision and fluid discharge from the eye.

After the patient is discharged from the hospital, an eye patch is placed over the operated eye, which the patient is permitted to remove during bedtime. The patient is expected to use eye drops at regular intervals to promote quick healing of the eye. In case vitrectomy is conducted for retinal detachment treatment, the doctor places an expandable gas bubble inside the eye. To make sure that the gas bubble falls in a correct position, maintaining face orientation and sleeping position is directed by the concerned eye doctor. When proper eye care is followed, complete vitrectomy recovery is achieved within 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Vitrectomy Recovery Time: What to Do

During the vitrectomy healing time, the candidate will be instructed to follow certain self care tips for quick healing process and achieve proper vision correction. Swelling, heaviness and general eye discomfort are usual symptoms within the next few days after the surgery. Some useful guidelines to ensure a short recovery time for vitrectomy are:

• The candidate should continue using each and every type of prescribed eye drops for the recommended period, as directed by the doctor. They help in reducing swelling, inflammation and more importantly, eye infection.
• In order to get relief from swelling and heavy feeling over the eyes, one can place ice compresses over the operated eye. Place some ice pieces in a clean towel and put over the affected eye for a few minutes.
• For increased pain symptoms, over-the-counter pain killers will work in relieving pain. However, it is best to inform the concerned doctor and ask for an appropriate pain reliever medicine.
• To help remain in the face down position for the stipulated time, a face-down recovery equipment can be used. As per the patient's condition, it may be used for consecutive five days after surgery.
• For candidates with slow recuperation, the doctor may recommend using the face-down recovery equipment for three weeks after surgery. Accordingly, the patient can resume to his or her normal activities after the said period.

The success rate of vitrectomy is optimal, in which more than 90 percent of the candidates enjoy normal vision after the procedure. Some risks associated with vitrectomy are inner eye infection, bleeding in the vitreous gel and corneal edema. In case of any unusual eye problems during vitrectomy recovery time, the candidate should not delay in getting medical attention. The earlier one responds, the better will be the prospect for complete recovery of vitrectomy without serious complications.