Our Summary

This study looked at the results of a specific type of eye surgery, known as 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy. This procedure was used to remove foreign objects that had become lodged in the back part of the eye.

The study involved 14 male patients, with an average age of around 37, all of whom had undergone this surgery. The foreign objects were located either in the jelly-like substance that fills the eye (the vitreous) or in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina). These objects varied in size from 3 to 7 millimeters, and were either metallic or glass.

Before the surgery, some patients had other eye conditions such as cataracts, bleeding in the vitreous, or a detached retina. During the surgery, either silicone oil or a type of gas was used to help maintain the shape of the eye.

After the surgery, the patients were followed up for an average of around 8 months. At the end of this period, the majority of the patients (10 out of 14) had decent vision (0.1 or better). However, four patients had poorer vision, due to scarring, the formation of a membrane under the retina, or a re-detached retina.

In conclusion, this type of surgery appears to be a successful and relatively non-invasive way of removing foreign objects from the back of the eye.

FAQs

  1. What is a 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy?
  2. What types of foreign objects were removed from the patients’ eyes in the study?
  3. What were the results of the study following the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome after vitrectomy surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with:

  1. Retinal detachment
  2. Macular hole
  3. Epiretinal membrane
  4. Diabetic retinopathy
  5. Vitreous hemorrhage
  6. Vitreomacular traction syndrome
  7. Complications from previous eye surgeries
  8. Foreign objects lodged in the eye

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy is the best treatment option for their specific eye condition.

Timeline

The timeline of a patient’s experience before and after vitrectomy surgery would typically involve the following steps:

Before Vitrectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as blurry vision, floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in their vision.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination, including imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine the location and severity of the issue.
  3. A discussion with the ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits of vitrectomy surgery, and the patient’s consent is obtained.
  4. Pre-operative preparations such as fasting before surgery, and stopping certain medications that could interfere with the procedure.

During Vitrectomy:

  1. Patient is given anesthesia to numb the eye and prevent pain during the surgery.
  2. Small incisions are made in the eye to insert the surgical instruments, including a light source and a microscope to see inside the eye.
  3. The vitreous gel is removed, and any foreign objects, blood, or scar tissue are also extracted.
  4. If needed, a gas bubble or silicone oil may be injected into the eye to help it heal properly.
  5. The incisions are closed with sutures or are left to heal on their own.

After Vitrectomy:

  1. Patient may experience temporary side effects like blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or discomfort in the eye.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and check for any complications.
  3. Vision gradually improves over time, with some patients achieving better visual acuity than before the surgery.
  4. In some cases, additional treatments like laser therapy or medication may be needed to address complications like retinal detachment or scarring.
  5. Long-term follow-up to ensure the eye remains healthy and vision is stable.

Overall, vitrectomy surgery can help improve vision and prevent further damage to the eye in patients with certain conditions, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified eye surgeon before proceeding with the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vitrectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care following vitrectomy?
  3. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  4. Can you explain the specific techniques and tools used during the vitrectomy procedure?
  5. How likely is it that my vision will improve after the surgery, and what are the potential long-term outcomes?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my eyes after vitrectomy?
  7. What are the alternatives to vitrectomy for my specific eye condition?
  8. How experienced are you in performing vitrectomy surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  9. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about vitrectomy and my specific eye condition?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or guidelines I should follow leading up to the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Ozdamar Erol Y, Tekin K, Yilmazbas P. Journal: Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2019 May;25(3):298-302. doi: 10.5505/tjtes.2018.44763. PMID: 31135941