What Is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the transparent gel-like substance (vitreous) in the eye. Some diseases and conditions that occur in the back of the eye may require removal of the vitreous. Vitrectomy surgery, which is performed for the treatment of such disorders, is now considered to be a very common and successful method. In this article we have written for you, we will try to answer all the questions you wonder about vitrectomy.

What Is The Purpose of Vitrectomy Surgery?

The main purpose of vitrectomy surgery is the treatment of diseases that occur in the back of the eye and require removal of the vitreous. The surgery provides better access to the retina and other tissues in the back of the eye, helping doctors overcome various disorders. Removing the vitreous also helps to reduce abnormal tensile forces on the retina and to clear hemorrhages inside the eye. In this way, it is aimed to preserve and improve the visual functions of patients.

In Which Eye Diseases Is Vitrectomy Preferred?

Vitrectomy surgery can be preferred in the following eye diseases and conditions;

• Vitrectomy can be used if the retinal layer is separated from the back wall of the eye.
• Vitrectomy may be preferred in the treatment of damage and hemorrhage in the retinal vessels due to diabetes.
• Vitrectomy can be used in the treatment of holes in the central visual region of the eye (macula).
• Vitrectomy can be used to remove thin membranes that form on the retina and cause visual impairment.
• Vitrectomy may be preferred in the treatment of infections that spread in the eye and cause inflammation of the vitreous.
• Vitrectomy can be applied in the treatment of bleeding and damage caused by eye injuries.

How Is Vitrectomy Operation Performed?

Vitrectomy operation is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours. During the operation, the surgeon enters the eye with thin and special instruments and carefully removes the vitreous. After the removal of the vitreous, problems occurring in the back of the eye are treated. At this stage, problems such as retinal detachment, hemorrhages, membranes and infections are treated. After the necessary interventions have been completed, gas or silicone oil is usually injected into the eye to replace the vitreous. These substances help to keep the retina in the correct position and start the healing process. After the surgery, the patient should wear a protective bandage and goggles over the eye and rest for the time recommended by the doctor.

What Are The Complications After Vitrectomy?

Although vitrectomy operation is quite safe and effective today, like every surgical procedure, this procedure has some complications. Complications that may occur after vitrectomy can be listed as follows;

• Although infection in the eye after the surgical procedure is rare, it is a serious complication. Symptoms of infection can be observed as redness, swelling, pain and discharge.

• Bleeding in the eye may occur during or after vitrectomy. This may adversely affect vision and additional treatments may be needed.

• Separation of the retinal layer from the back wall of the eye may occur during or after the surgical procedure. This is a serious complication requiring urgent treatment.

• The risk of cataract formation increases after vitrectomy, especially in elderly patients. Cataract results in the loss of transparency of the natural lens in the eye and blurred vision.

• Increased intraocular pressure after the operation can damage the optic nerve and lead to a condition called glaucoma.

What Should Be Considered After Vitrectomy Operation?

There are some important points that patients should pay attention to after vitrectomy operation. These points reduce the risk of complications and provide faster recovery.

• Use the medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly. These medications, usually in the form of eye drops, reduce the risk of infection and keep intraocular pressure under control.

• It is important to keep the eye clean and dry after the operation. Be careful not to get water in your eye and clean your eye as recommended by your doctor.

• Your doctor may recommend that you keep your head in a certain position for a certain period of time, especially if you have had a gas or air injection. This position reduces the pressure on the retina and promotes faster healing.

• Avoid heavy lifting, sports and bending and lifting during the recovery period. Such activities may increase intraocular pressure and increase the risk of complications.

• The use of glasses after the operation protects your eyes from external factors and reduces the risk of infection. Also, protect your eyes from sunlight by wearing sunglasses.

• During the healing process, go for check-ups at intervals specified by your doctor. These checks are important for early diagnosis and treatment of possible complications.

Having information about the points to be considered and possible complications after vitrectomy allows patients to have a faster and healthier recovery process. Contact your doctor if you notice any abnormal symptoms.

Are Vitrectomy and Cataract Operations Similar?

Vitrectomy and cataract operations are two different procedures performed in the field of eye surgery. Both operations target different parts of the eye and are performed for different purposes. Therefore, vitrectomy and cataract operations cannot be considered as similar operations.

Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous, a gel-like substance inside the eye. This surgery is performed to treat problems that occur in the back of the eye. Vitrectomy surgery is preferred when there are conditions such as hemorrhages, holes, tears or clouding of the translucent vitreous in the retinal layer of the eye. It is also used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular hole.

Cataract operation is an operation performed when the crystalline lens, the natural lens of the eye, becomes cloudy and the quality of vision decreases. Cataracts can be caused by aging, trauma, genetic factors and some systemic diseases. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This significantly improves the quality of the patient’s vision.

The common aspect of both surgeries is that they are performed using microsurgical techniques and are performed under local anesthesia. However, the targeted areas and the purpose of the surgery are different. Vitrectomy treats problems with the vitreous and retina at the back of the eye, whereas cataract surgery deals with the lens at the front of the eye.

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Dangerous?

As with any surgical procedure, vitrectomy surgery has some risks and complications. However, when performed by an experienced eye surgeon and appropriate precautions are taken, the chances of successful completion of vitrectomy surgery are quite high.

The potential risks of vitrectomy surgery include;

• Infection,
• Bleeding,
• Retinal tear or hole,
• Cataract formation,
• Increased intraocular pressure,
• Loss of vision,
• Re-vitreous hemorrhage,

It is possible to minimize these risks by carefully following the doctor’s recommendations before and after the surgery and not neglecting regular check-ups. It is also important to choose an experienced and competent eye surgeon for the success of the surgery and to reduce the risk of complications.

Vitrectomy Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Vitrectomy Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.