Vitreoretinal Surgeries
While many retinal, macular, and vitreal conditions can be treated with injections and other therapies, some cases require surgical intervention in order to repair damage and prevent vision loss. Surgeries performed on the retina and inside the eye are known as vitreoretinal surgeries. Because of the size and location of the retina, these procedures are exceptionally delicate and precise and require the skill of a board-certified retina specialist and surgeon.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a vitreoretinal surgery in which some or all of the vitreous humor is removed from the ocular orb. Removing this gel allows physicians to get better access to the inside and back of the eye. There are two kinds of vitrectomy procedures: anterior vitrectomy and posterior vitrectomy, also known as pars plana vitrectomy.
Anterior vitrectomy involves removing the front portion of the vitreous and is often performed during cataract or cornea surgery. It is also sometimes used to manage conditions such as aphakia pupillary block glaucoma, in which the vitreous gel is moved out of place and needs to be removed.
Posterior or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the more common of the two procedures. PPV is performed by making an incision into the pars plana, which is a segment of the ciliary body located between the iris and the sclera (the white part of the eye). Because the pars plana does not appear to serve a function outside of fetal development, it is considered to be a good place in the eye to make an incision.
PPV is typically performed to remove opacities and membranes in the vitreous and is usually combined with other procedures. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, and macular holes.
Pan Retinal Photocoagulation
Pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a form of laser therapy that is often used to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy with neovascularization. Neovascularization is a process in which abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye, which can lead to vision loss if not treated. In PRP, a laser is directed into the eye through the peripheral retina so as to avoid the central macular tissue. The laser focuses on the abnormal blood vessels, breaking them down and shrinking them. This procedure is generally performed in-office and may be required several times, depending on the severity of the issue.
Retinal Detachment Repair Surgery
When the retina peels off the back wall of the eye and disengages from its correct position, it is known as a retinal detachment. Because the retina plays such a critical role in vision, it’s imperative that the retina be reattached as soon as possible. There are a few surgical procedures that may be used to repair a detached retina, including the scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, retinal cryopexy, and posterior sclerotomy.
Scleral Buckle
A scleral buckle is performed by placing inward-facing indents into the sclera and buckling it against the retina using silicone rubber or a piece of preserved sclera. This helps to keep the retina pushed into its correct position.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
Pneumatic retinopexy involves injecting an expanding bubble of gas into the ocular orb. During the procedure, the patient is positioned in such a way that the bubble will float to the detached retina and push it against the back wall of the eye.
Retinal Cryopexy
Retinal cryopexy is a form of freezing therapy that involves applying a freezing probe against the white of the eye. The intense cold emitted from the probe forms chorioretinal scar tissue, helping to stabilize and secure the detached retina.
Posterior Sclerotomy
Posterior sclerotomy is performed by entering the vitreous through the sclera so that a detached retina can be repaired. It can also be used to remove a foreign body.
For vitreoretinal surgery in Central California, contact California Retina Consultants today.