A vitrectomy is a common surgery that restores, preserves, and improves vision. This procedure comes with the risk of post-operative eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, that threatens to damage the optic nerve.
Uses
A vitrectomy is performed for retinal disorders and other eye conditions that affect vision ability, including retinal detachment, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, and post-cataract surgery complications.
Features
A vitrectomy is performed in an operating room under local anesthesia with sedation. The vitreous gel of the eye is removed and replaced with a mixture of gas and air.
Recovery Time Frame
After a vitrectomy, the patient must cease all activity and lie face down for two to three weeks to avoid ocular hypertension. Full visual recovery may take a few months.
Maintaining Head Position
After surgery, the patient must avoid looking upward or lying on the back to avoid raising intraocular pressure.
Air Travel
Patients must avoid air travel for a few months after surgery. The change in atmospheric pressure could cause a gas bubble in the eye to expand, raising eye pressure.
Eye Drops
The surgeon may prescribe special eye drops to avoid elevated eye pressure.
Tags: must avoid, ocular hypertension, patient must, vitrectomy performed
