The vitreous is the clear, gel-like substance that makes up the center of the eye, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s volume, giving it its shape. Because of its large, soft consistency, the vitreous is commonly affected by various diseases that may cause it to cloud, fill with blood or harden, making it difficult for light to properly reach the retina.
This may lead to blurred vision, tears, or other serious conditions. Patients with disease or injury to the vitreous may benefit from a vitrectomy.
Issues With The Retina And Vitreous
Problems with the retina and vitreous can lead to vision loss and blindness. Surgery can correct problems before vision is lost or prevent further deterioration from occurring.
What Is A Vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is most effective in treating conditions such as a macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, or an injury or infection in the vitreous. Vitrectomy procedure removes the vitreous by suctioning it out with tiny instruments that are inserted into the eye. After removal, your doctor may treat the retina with a laser, cut or remove scar tissue, flatten detached areas of the retina, or repair holes or tears in the retina.
Patients may experience mild discomfort and redness for several days after this procedure, and often have their eye patched for the first day. Although results vary depending on the individual condition treated, most patients experience improved visual acuity after this procedure.
Alcon NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System
Our practice is the first in the Los Angeles area to have the Alcon Heads Up system. Alcon’s NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System (AKA “Heads-Up” system) allows retinal surgeons to operate looking at a high definition 3D screen, instead of bending their necks to look through the eye-piece of a microscope.
Benefits Of The NGENUITY 3D Visualization System
Traditional vitrectomy surgeries range from 30 minutes to over three hours in length to complete, therefore the better pasture during surgeries may reduce fatigue and thus benefit the patient. This microscope-free design is engineered to improve surgeons’ posture.
The easier it is for surgeons to perform these long, delicate surgeries, the better they can perform for our patients who count on us to provide them with the best possible care.
The NGENUITY 3D Visualization System offers greater depth and detail views during surgery. This system provides surgeons with better visualization while operating on the back of the eye, which may improve patient outcomes.
The system is designed to facilitate collaboration and teaching in the operating room. Offering an immersive panoramic surgical view, the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System allows the operating team to see exactly what the surgeon is seeing in real-time.
Risks Of The NGENUITY 3D Visualization System
Although this procedure is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks include retinal detachment, fluid buildup, growth of new blood vessels, infection, and further bleeding into the vitreous gel. Patients can minimize these risks by choosing an experienced doctor to perform their procedure.
