Our Summary

This paper discusses a case of a young, hand-reared female wallaby that was suffering from a condition which made her eyes look cloudy. After examining her, the vets found out that the wallaby had cataracts, a condition that causes the lens of the eyes to become less transparent, leading to blurry vision. The vets suspected that the cataracts were caused by the wallaby’s diet.

The vets decided to perform eye surgery on the wallaby to improve her quality of life. The surgery involved breaking up and removing the clouded lens (phacoemulsification) and removing and replacing the jelly-like substance in the eye (vitrectomy). The surgery was successful and the wallaby recovered well. She was given medication to help with her recovery and to prevent infection.

A year after the surgery, the wallaby was able to see clearly and there were no complications. This was the first time such a procedure was successfully performed on a wallaby of this species. The exact cause of cataracts related to diet in these animals is still not clear, but the condition appears to be quite common.

FAQs

  1. What condition was the young female wallaby suffering from that made her eyes look cloudy?
  2. What procedures were involved in the surgery performed on the wallaby to treat her cataracts?
  3. Was the surgery performed on the wallaby successful and did she experience any complications post-surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your doctor. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to your doctor immediately. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the best possible outcome from your vitrectomy surgery.

Suitable For

Vitrectomy is typically recommended for patients with conditions such as retinal detachments, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, and complications from cataract surgery. It is also often performed in cases of severe eye trauma or infections that cannot be treated with other methods. In some cases, vitrectomy may also be recommended for patients with certain types of floaters or persistent vitreous opacities that are causing visual disturbances. Ultimately, the decision to perform a vitrectomy will depend on the specific condition and needs of the patient, as well as the recommendation of their ophthalmologist.

Timeline

  • Before vitrectomy: The patient experiences symptoms such as blurry vision, clouded vision, and potentially difficulty seeing in general. They may undergo an eye examination to determine the cause of their vision issues, which could lead to a diagnosis of cataracts.

  • Day of vitrectomy: The patient undergoes surgery to remove the clouded lens and perform a vitrectomy to remove and replace the jelly-like substance in the eye. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and typically takes a few hours to complete.

  • After vitrectomy: The patient may experience some discomfort and blurry vision immediately after the surgery, but this should improve in the following days. They will be prescribed medication to prevent infection and aid in the healing process. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure successful recovery.

  • Weeks to months after vitrectomy: The patient’s vision should gradually improve as they heal from the surgery. They may need to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a period of time and follow any post-operative care instructions provided by their doctor. Over time, the patient should experience clearer vision and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a vitrectomy and how will it benefit me?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of vitrectomy surgery for my particular condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after vitrectomy surgery and how long does it typically take?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or post-operative care instructions I need to follow after the surgery?
  6. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to vitrectomy that I should consider?
  8. How experienced are you in performing vitrectomy surgeries and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you provide me with information on the potential cost of the surgery and whether it will be covered by my insurance?
  10. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make to prevent the recurrence of cataracts or other eye conditions in the future?

Reference

Authors: Sailler A, Prieto M, Goulle F. Journal: J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2021 Dec 27;260(4):450-454. doi: 10.2460/javma.21.03.0165. PMID: 34968188