Our Summary

This research sought to determine how often the retina gets accidentally damaged during a certain type of eye surgery, specifically using an ultrahigh-speed (UHS) 25-gauge vitrectomy system. This eye surgery is typically performed for conditions such as epiretinal membrane, floaters, macular hole, vitreous macular traction syndrome, dropped nucleus or intraocular lens and vitreous bleeding.

The study involved 1,676 eyes from 1,306 different patients. The researchers found that accidental retinal breaks occurred in about 1.8% of cases (25 eyes). The highest risk was when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, had to be detached during the surgery.

During the follow-up period, other complications such as retinal detachment and low eye pressure occurred, but these were similar to rates from previous reports. Importantly, none of the patients who had accidental retinal breaks during surgery experienced these other complications.

In conclusion, the UHS 25-gauge vitrectomy system is a safe procedure for treating various eye conditions. The risk of accidental damage to the retina seems to be linked to whether the vitreous needs to be detached during the operation. There doesn’t seem to be a connection between accidental retinal breaks and other complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of accidental damage to the retina during eye surgery using the UHS 25-gauge vitrectomy system?
  2. What complications can occur after surgery using the UHS 25-gauge vitrectomy system, and are they linked to accidental retinal breaks?
  3. What conditions is the UHS 25-gauge vitrectomy system commonly used to treat?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. If you notice any changes in your vision or experience any discomfort after retinal surgery, contact your doctor immediately. Regular follow-up appointments are also recommended to monitor your eye health and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Overall, patients with conditions such as epiretinal membrane, floaters, macular hole, vitreous macular traction syndrome, dropped nucleus or intraocular lens, and vitreous bleeding are typically recommended retinal surgery using an ultrahigh-speed 25-gauge vitrectomy system. These procedures are generally safe, with a low risk of accidental retinal breaks, especially when the vitreous needs to be detached during surgery. Other complications such as retinal detachment and low eye pressure may occur, but they do not seem to be directly related to accidental retinal breaks during surgery.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery, a patient will likely undergo a comprehensive eye exam to determine the need for surgery and discuss the risks and benefits with their eye surgeon. The surgery itself typically lasts for around 1-2 hours and is performed under local anesthesia. After the surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and blurred vision, which should improve within a few days to weeks.

After retinal surgery, the patient will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and ensure that the retina is healing properly. Some patients may require additional treatments or surgeries if complications arise. Overall, the goal of retinal surgery is to improve or restore vision and prevent further damage to the retina.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal surgery include:

  1. What specific condition are you recommending retinal surgery for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my condition?
  4. How experienced are you in performing this type of retinal surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like after retinal surgery?
  6. How long will it take for my vision to improve after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make after the surgery to protect my eyes?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a complication after the surgery?
  10. What should I do if I experience any changes in my vision or eye discomfort after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mura M, Barca F, Dell’Omo R, Nasini F, Peiretti E. Journal: Br J Ophthalmol. 2016 Oct;100(10):1383-7. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2015-307654. Epub 2015 Dec 23. PMID: 26701688