The vitreous is a gel-like transparent substance that fills the eye. It constitutes about two-thirds of the eye's volume and supports the nerve part of the eye known as the retina, contributing to the anatomical shape of the eye. In the past, many patients who lost their vision due to retinal diseases can now have good vision levels thanks to vitrectomy surgery.
How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?
In vitrectomy, the holes opened to enter the eye are made 3-4 mm behind the transparent layer called the cornea, from the pars plana, hence it is called pars plana vitrectomy. In vitrectomy, 3 holes are made in the white visible layer we call the sclera. Fluid is introduced into the eye through an infusion line from one hole. This fluid replaces the vitreous removed during the vitrectomy surgery. A light source introduced through another hole illuminates the inside of the eye during the surgery.
The vitreous cutter introduced through the third hole divides the vitreous into small pieces and extracts them. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a surgical microscope and various lenses to see inside the eye. Usually, it is performed under local anesthesia, numbing only the eye. The patient can go home after the surgery is completed.
For Which Retinal Diseases Do We Apply Vitrectomy?
We apply vitrectomy in cases of intraocular bleeding, advanced diabetic eye disease (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), retinal detachment, macular (visual center) hole, pre-macular membrane formation (epiretinal membrane), intraocular infection, intraocular foreign bodies, eye injuries, giant retinal tears, lens remnants remaining in the eye after cataract surgery, or artificial lenses that have fallen into the eye.
What is Vitrectomy Surgery?
The vitreous is a gel-like transparent substance that fills the eye. It constitutes about two-thirds of the eye's volume and supports the nerve part of the eye known as the retina, contributing to the anatomical shape of the eye. In the past, many patients who lost their vision due to retinal diseases can now have good vision levels thanks to vitrectomy surgery.
How is Vitrectomy Surgery Performed?
In vitrectomy, the holes opened to enter the eye are made 3-4 mm behind the transparent layer called the cornea, from the pars plana, hence it is called pars plana vitrectomy. In vitrectomy, 3 holes are made in the white visible layer we call the sclera. Fluid is introduced into the eye through an infusion line from one hole. This fluid replaces the vitreous removed during the vitrectomy surgery. A light source introduced through another hole illuminates the inside of the eye during the surgery. The vitreous cutter introduced through the third hole divides the vitreous into small pieces and extracts them. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a surgical microscope and various lenses to see inside the eye. Usually, it is performed under local anesthesia, numbing only the eye. The patient can go home after the surgery is completed.
In Which Retinal Diseases Is Vitrectomy Applied?
We apply vitrectomy in cases of intraocular bleeding, advanced diabetic eye disease (proliferative diabetic retinopathy), retinal detachment, macular (visual center) hole, pre-macular membrane formation (epiretinal membrane), intraocular infection, intraocular foreign bodies, eye injuries, giant retinal tears, lens remnants remaining in the eye after cataract surgery, or artificial lenses that have fallen into the eye.
What is Vitrectomy Surgery and How Is It Effective in the Back Part of the Eye?
Vitrectomy surgery refers to the removal of the vitreous, a gel-like tissue at the back of the eye. Since this area is directly related to the retina, vitrectomy surgery has critical importance in preserving or restoring vision function in the back part of the eye.
How Much Does Vitrectomy Surgery Cost?
The cost of vitrectomy surgery can vary depending on many factors such as the quality of the health institution where the procedure is performed, the experience of the surgeon, the medical equipment used, the type of anesthesia applied, and the specific needs related to the patient's eye structure. The urgency of the surgery, special medications or advanced technology devices to be used during the operation can also affect the total cost. As of 2025, since vitrectomy surgery prices can vary from patient to patient, it is recommended to consult directly with specialized eye health centers or hospitals to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information. Thus, a personal evaluation can be made, and detailed cost information regarding the entire process can be obtained.
What Should Be Considered After Vitrectomy Surgery?
Following vitrectomy surgery, adherence to certain rules by patients positively affects the recovery process. During the first weeks after surgery, it is important to regularly use eye drops, protect the eye from impacts, and not miss doctor's appointments. Remember that early diagnosis in any retinal disease is extremely critical for your eye health. You can consult an eye doctor for more detailed information about vitrectomy surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vitrectomy surgery and in which cases is it applied?
Vitrectomy surgery involves the surgical removal of the vitreous, a transparent gel-like structure filling the inside of the eye. This surgery is generally used in the treatment of serious eye diseases affecting the retina and macula regions. The vitreous can impair vision by losing its transparency or cause problems that may threaten structures in the eye. Vitrectomy may be necessary, especially in cases like retinal tears, retinal detachment, intraocular hemorrhages (vitreous hemorrhage), diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, and epiretinal membrane. With this procedure, structures obstructing vision, such as blood or membranes inside the vitreous, can be cleaned, the retina can be repositioned, and the inside of the eye can be restored to a healthy condition. Sometimes, during vitrectomy, laser applications, silicone oil, or gas tamponades are used to enhance treatment effectiveness.
What affects the cost of vitrectomy surgery?
The cost of vitrectomy surgery can vary based on numerous factors. Primarily, the technical infrastructure of the hospital where the surgery will be performed, the quality of the equipment used, and the materials preferred during the surgery are determinants of cost. The expertise of the ophthalmologist performing the procedure, the treatment protocol applied, and the medications used also lead to price differences. Additionally, the patient's overall health condition, the urgency of the surgery, whether it involves one eye or both eyes, and any additional procedures (like laser, silicone, gas injection) needed can increase costs. In public hospitals, the cost may be lower compared to private hospitals, where the scope of service and comfort level can affect this difference. It is advisable to schedule a pre-assessment appointment for pricing information at the hospital.
What is the recovery process like after vitrectomy surgery?
The recovery process after surgery can vary from patient to patient; however, it generally lasts from a few weeks to a few months. In the initial days, blurred vision, irritation, redness, and mild pain in the eye are considered normal. These symptoms can be controlled with eye drops. It is critically important for the patient to use the medications and eye drops recommended by the doctor regularly after the surgery to protect the eye from infections and support recovery. Especially in the first weeks, head positioning may need to be arranged as per recommendation; for instance, if a gas tampon has been applied, the head is positioned at a certain angle to ensure the gas exerts pressure on the retina.
For several weeks after the surgery, it is recommended that patients avoid activities that strain the eyes (such as heavy lifting, intense exercise, tasks done by bending over), and refrain from being in dusty or infected environments. Similarly, activities like swimming, wearing makeup, or using lenses should be resumed gradually under doctor supervision. The use of glasses, screen time, and vehicle operation should also be guided by the doctor's advice.
Follow-up examinations are crucial to understand whether the recovery process is progressing correctly. During these checks, the condition of the retinal layer, vision level, and potential complications are evaluated. The recovery process requires patience, and it is essential for patients to adapt to this process for long-term successful outcomes.
Does vitrectomy surgery create a permanent change in the back of the eye?
Since vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous, a gel-like structure located in the back part of the eye, it can lead to permanent changes in intraocular anatomy. These changes typically serve a therapeutic purpose, aiming to improve the patient's quality of life. The removal of the vitreous creates a void in the natural structure of the eye; this void is usually filled with a sterile fluid or, in some cases, with gas or silicone oil. These materials help support structures like the retina, aiding the eye in performing its functions.
The vitreous tissue does not regenerate, but the body gradually fills in this void with its own fluid, which does not cause any visual problems. In some cases, complications like infection (endophthalmitis), retinal detachment, cataract formation, changes in eye pressure, or damage to the optic nerve may occur. Therefore, post-operative doctor visits are of major importance.
Although vitrectomy surgery results in permanent structural changes, these alterations generally serve to preserve eye health and improve visual function. When applied correctly and with the patient's full adherence to the treatment process, it is an extremely effective method in preventing long-term vision loss.