Retinal Surgery

At Retina Associates we have the technology and skills to handle all retinal diseases and problems. Below is a list of the specific services that we offer.

Vitreoretinal surgery encompasses invasive microsurgical ocular procedures utilized to approach problems "in the back of the eye". Pars plana vitrectomy is the most commonly performed invasive vitreoretinal procedure. Retinal surgeons access the back of the eye with vitrectomy then perform various maneuvers on the vitreous, retina and macula. Vitreoretinal surgery is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedures generally take between 45 to 90 minutes to complete depending upon the complexity of the disease.

The retina is the light sensitive central nervous system tissue that lines the back of the eye. The vitreous is the clear, jelly–like substance that fills the middle of the eye. The macula is the geographic center or "bulls–eye" of the retina. The macula is the most sensitive portion of the retina and is responsible for our most acute vision.

During vitrectomy, three 1mm incisions are made in the pars plana. A fiberoptic illuminator is placed in one port and the eye is visualized under a microscope. Cutting instruments are placed in the second port and fluid is infused in the third port to replace the vitreous volume which has been removed. The vitreous is 98% water with a "mesh" like matrix. The vitreous "mesh" serves no useful purpose and can be removed with impunity. The body is constantly turning over the fluid portion of the vitreous.

Pars plana vitrectomy is commonly utilized to treat:

1. Retinal detachments
   
2. Macular holes
   
3. Macular pucker
   
4. Vitreous hemorrhages
   
5. Diabetic retinopathy
   
6. Complicated macular degeneration
   
7. Intraocular foreign bodies
   
8. Intraocular infections
   
9. Traumatic eye injuries

Other maneuvers that are commonly performed during vitrectomy include laser, retinal membrane removal, scleral buckling, gas and silicone oil injection. The main risks of vitrectomy include retinal detachment and cataract formation.