Vitreoretinal Surgery

1. What is Vitreoretinal Surgery?
Vitreoretinal surgery is a group of specialized procedures used to treat diseases affecting the vitreous gel and retina. The most common approach is vitrectomy, in which abnormal or diseased vitreous tissue is removed to allow the surgeon to treat the retina.

2. When is Vitreoretinal Surgery recommended?
It may be required for retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, severe diabetic eye disease, complicated retinal tears, endophthalmitis, and selected traumatic or other retinal conditions.

3. What is Vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy involves removing some or all of the vitreous gel from inside the eye. This creates access to the retina and allows the surgeon to remove scar tissue, repair retinal abnormalities, control bleeding, or treat other vitreoretinal problems.

4. What other techniques may be used?
Depending on the condition, surgery may include retinal laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, membrane peeling, scleral buckling, fluid-air exchange, or injection of a gas bubble or silicone oil to support the retina during healing.

5. How is the appropriate procedure determined?
A detailed retinal examination is performed, often including optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, B-scan ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, or other imaging when required. The treatment depends on the diagnosis, retinal anatomy, visual status, and urgency.

6. How long does Vitreoretinal Surgery take?
The procedure commonly takes around 1–3 hours, although complex retinal detachments or combined procedures may require longer. Many procedures are performed as day surgery or with a short hospital stay.

7. What are the benefits of Vitreoretinal Surgery?
The goal is to preserve or restore retinal anatomy, prevent further vision deterioration, and improve vision where possible. Outcomes depend strongly on the underlying retinal disease, its severity, and how quickly treatment is provided.

8. What are the risks and recovery?
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, increased or reduced eye pressure, cataract progression, retinal re-detachment, inflammation, and vision changes. Recovery varies considerably. Patients receiving a gas bubble may need to maintain a specific head position and must avoid air travel until the ophthalmologist confirms that the gas has completely cleared.

9. Why consider India for Vitreoretinal Surgery?
India has specialized eye hospitals and vitreoretinal centres with experienced retinal surgeons, advanced diagnostic imaging, modern microsurgical equipment, and comprehensive postoperative retinal care at comparatively competitive treatment costs.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate medical-record and retinal imaging review, identify an appropriate vitreoretinal specialist and eye hospital, obtain an indicative treatment plan and quotation, and assist with hospital and travel coordination for international patients.