9 Vitrectomy Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is an eye surgery which involves the removal of the vitreous (a jelly-like fluid in the eye) and replaces it with the saline solution. This surgery is performed for a variety of repairs, like removal of scar tissue, treatment of macular holes, and laser repair of retinal detachments. A retinal detachment is a condition where the retina gets separated from the underlying tissue within the eye. This occurs due to retinal break, hole, or tear. The cause for the retinal break, tear or hole may be due to preexisting factors like eye diseases, myopia, prior ocular surgery, etc. The initial symptoms for Retinal detachment are floaters or flashing lights. To diagnose Retinal Detachment, the doctor uses a retinal examination in which an instrument with a bright light and lenses are used to examine the back of the eye including the retina. This instrument helps in providing a highly detailed view of the whole eye including the retinal tears, holes, or detachments.

What are the advantages of Vitrectomy?
The advantage of Vitrectomy is that it prevents permanent vision loss. Although it cannot completely recover the lost vision.

What are the indications of Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is indicated to correct the retinal detachment. The retinal detachment can only be treated with the surgery.

What is the preparation for Vitrectomy?

The following are the preparation steps for Vitrectomy:

1. Discuss with your surgeon regarding all the benefits, risks, and complications involved with the surgery.
2. If you are using any soft contact lenses then they must be removed at least a week prior to the surgery.
3. Avoid having food for at least 6 hours before the surgery. This way the risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs will be reduced.
4. Also, avoid applying any creams or makeup on the day of surgery. 
5. Take all the medications as instructed by your doctor.
6. Don't read, write, or use a mobile phone or computer for about 30 minutes prior to the test.

What are the steps involved in Vitrectomy?

The following are the steps involved in the Vitrectomy:

1. The eye region is anesthetized to make it numb.
2. Before the surgery begins, the eye is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and draped with the sterile covering.
3. To keep the eye open, the doctor uses a speculum and a protective covering is placed on the area that is not been operated.
4. A small incision of about 0.5mm width is made by the surgeon on the outer membrane of the eye.
5. With the help of a forceps, the surgeon opens the incision and uses a microscope and a fiber optic light to see through the eye.
6. A Vitrectomy probe is used to cut the vitreous gel and uses suction to remove the fluid.
7. Using forceps, scissors, and cutter, the back scar tissue is removed from the retina.
8. The surgeon fills the saline fluid or silicon oil or air bubble in the vitreous fluid place.
9. To prevent infections, the surgeon applies an antibiotic ointment to the eye and the eye will be covered.

What is the post-surgery care/recovery care for Vitrectomy?

The following are the post-care steps to be followed after the Vitrectomy:

1. Do not let soap come into contact with your eyes.
2. Do not use lotions, creams, make-up, etc around the operated area.
3. Avoid going for a swim after the surgery at least for a week.
4. Do not lift weights or play sports like tennis and racquetball for the next one week after the surgery.
5. Avoid going to crowded places and dusty areas to reduce complications after the surgery.
6. Use sunglasses while going out to protect eyes from direct sunlight and sensitivity to light.
7. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
8. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery after two days, the following week, and then again after a month to monitor the eye.

Who can perform Vitrectomy [Right specialist for Vitrectomy]?

Vitrectomy can be performed by a certified and skilled Ophthalmologist who is well experienced in this surgery.

What is the cost of Vitrectomy?

The following are the factors which determine the cost of the Vitrectomy in Bangalore:

1. Type of procedure
2. Age of the patient
3. Type of the hospital
4. Doctor's consultation charge
5. Admission cost
6. The medical condition of the patient
7. Post-surgical complications
8. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, scanning, etc

Minimum cost in Bangalore starts from Rs.9,810

Average expenses in Bangalore is approximately Rs.17,950

Maximum amount to be paid in Bangalore rises up to Rs.38,000

Is Vitrectomy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Minor or major surgery depends on the type of procedure or age of the patient or the medical condition of the patient.

What is the eligibility criteria for Vitrectomy?

The eligibility criteria for Vitrectomy is if the vision is impaired and cannot be treated with other treatments.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Vitrectomy?

The ineligibility criteria for Vitrectomy are:

1. Individuals below 18 years old [Depends on the severity of the eyesight]
2. Pregnant women
3. Individuals with poor health or immune system

What are the risks and complications associated with Vitrectomy?

The following are the risks involved with Vitrectomy:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Increase in ocular pressure
4. The detachment that is not fixed completely
5. Reaction to medicines

How long does it take to complete Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy may take around 1to 2 hours depending on the procedure.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time for Vitrectomy is 4-6 weeks depending on the patient's medical condition.

What is the success rate of Vitrectomy?

The success rate of Vitrectomy is very high with less severe complications.

The success rate is around 90%.

Is Vitrectomy painful?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and discomfort. Local anesthesia is given to the pain along with the sedation to reduce the pain.

Is Vitrectomy permanent?

Vitrectomy is a permanent procedure which makes changes to the vitreous present in the eye.

What are the long-term results of Vitrectomy?

The long-term effect of Vitrectomy is decreasing visual acuity. This may be due to cataract or macular degeneration. 

What are the options if Vitrectomy fails?

If the Vitrectomy fails then the doctor may suggest for the revision surgery. 

What are the alternatives for Vitrectomy?

The alternative for Vitrectomy is Episcleral Macular Buckling (EMB).