Vitrectomy: What you need to know
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that treats problems with the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. The retina is a sensitive sheet of tissue that lines the inside of your eye and sends visual signals to your brain. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon removes some or all the clear gel that fills the center of your eye. Vitrectomy Can be Used to Treat Several Serious Eye Conditions, Including: • Retinal detachment happens when the retina disconnects from the back wall of your eye. Retinal detachments can cause blindness if not treated promptly. • Diabetic retinopathy appears when high blood sugar levels damage small vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood and swell. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in adults. Sometimes, the surgeon will perform a vitrectomy with another surgery, such as cataract surgery. The surgery, performed under local anesthesia to numb the area around your eye, takes about one to two hours. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon