Our Summary

This research study evaluated a new method of care after a specific type of eye surgery known as micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS). In this study, 369 patients who underwent 451 surgeries were given a new treatment after surgery that didn’t involve the usual eye drops. Instead, they were given injections in and around the eye.

The main thing the researchers were looking at was whether patients developed an infection called endophthalmitis after surgery - only one case was found, and it wasn’t confirmed. They also found that patients’ vision improved slightly after surgery, and pressure inside the eye increased slightly. Patients were followed up for about three months on average.

The conclusion is that this new treatment method could be a good alternative to eye drops after surgery, but more research is needed to make sure it’s safe.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method of care implemented after micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) in this research study?
  2. What were the main findings of the research study on post-MIVS care?
  3. Is the new treatment method of injections in and around the eye confirmed to be a safe alternative to eye drops after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing vitrectomy surgery to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed medications or receiving injections as recommended. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications, such as infection, and to ensure optimal healing and vision outcomes. If any concerning symptoms develop, such as increased pain, redness, or changes in vision, the patient should contact their doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who typically undergo vitrectomy surgery include those with conditions such as:

  1. Retinal detachment
  2. Macular hole
  3. Diabetic retinopathy
  4. Epiretinal membrane
  5. Vitreous hemorrhage
  6. Retinal vein occlusion
  7. Eye trauma
  8. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy

It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy surgery is the right treatment option for a specific eye condition.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and consultation with the ophthalmologist
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery
  • Patient may need to fast before surgery
  • Patient undergoes vitrectomy surgery, which typically lasts 1-2 hours
  • Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, which may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities

After vitrectomy:

  • Patient may experience discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye immediately after surgery
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch for a few days after surgery
  • Patient may need to use eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor healing and address any complications
  • Patient’s vision may improve gradually over time, but full recovery can take several weeks to months

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after vitrectomy surgery involves pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative care and recovery. The specific timeline and experiences may vary depending on the individual patient and the complexity of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a vitrectomy surgery?
  2. Am I a good candidate for micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS)?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period after vitrectomy surgery?
  5. What post-operative care measures do I need to follow?
  6. What is the new treatment method involving injections that was used in the study?
  7. How does the new treatment method compare to traditional eye drops in terms of effectiveness and safety?
  8. What are the potential side effects of the new treatment method?
  9. How often will I need to receive injections after surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with the new treatment method?

Reference

Authors: Brown GT, Karth PA, Hunter AA. Journal: Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021 Nov;52(11):587-591. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20211014-01. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34766851