Regency Eye Hospital offers treatment for a range of vitreoretinal conditions.
When you have an appointment for vitreo retinal surgery, the first step is a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an Ophthalmologist who specialises in VR.
Your specialist will review your medical history and carry out a variety of eye tests to evaluate the retina, and imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). This will help assess the condition of the retina and plan the best treatment for your eyes.
The initial evaluation is crucial in determining the extent of retinal damage, identifying any underlying eye conditions, and discussing the potential risks and benefits of surgery.
This procedure involves the removal of the vitreous gel from the centre of the eye. It is often used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and vitreous haemorrhage. During vitrectomy, small incisions are made in the eye to remove the vitreous gel and any scar tissue or debris that may be affecting the retina. The vitreous gel is then replaced with a saline solution or gas bubble to help maintain the shape of the eye.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the underlying tissue, resulting in vision loss. Treatment typically involves surgery to reattach the retina to the back of the eye. These aim of the procedure is to seal any retinal tears, reposition the retina, and prevent further detachment.
Your vision is likely to be very blurry due to the eye drops used during the procedure. This usually lasts for between 24 and 48 hours. If a transparent shield is provided to protect your eye following surgery – we advise that you wear it for at least the first 24 hours and wear it overnight for the first week. This will limit your chances of coming into contact with irritants that may affect your recovery.
You will be given eye drops to take at home. Your surgeon will explain how often to apply them and for how long. You will be given a contact number which you can phone at any time if you have any concerns about your treatment. One of our clinical team will always be available. You will also receive a call from the clinical team one day after the procedure to see how you’re recovering.
A few side effects are common after vitreo retinal surgery. In the great majority of cases these are mild and not a cause for concern. Patients often experience sensitivity to light, grittiness, watering and blurry or double vision. Rare symptoms include vision loss, pain that is resistant to medication, flashes or multiple spots in your vision, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact Regency Eye Hospital and we can make sure any complications are dealt with promptly.
It’s natural to wonder what sort of activities are safe after you’ve had cataract surgery. Here is some general advice about what you can do safely after the procedure. Avoid activities that may increase pressure in the eyes. For example, lifting heavy objects. Bending below the waist and reaching high can also create pressure in the eyes and should be avoided when possible for 2 weeks.
Taking a proactive, conscious approach to your recovery can make a big difference to the success of your surgery outcome. We encourage our patients in the weeks before surgery to make notes of activities they should avoid while in recovery. Taking care of tasks beforehand is also recommended – for example, preparing a meal to have after surgery. We also suggest that our patients aim to return to a clean and vacuumed house. Things like dust, dirt and pet hair can all be irritating to a recovering eye and should be avoided as much as possible.
Follow your doctors post operative instructions carefully, including resting, taking prescribed eye drops as requested and avoiding activities that may strain the eyes.
Appointments following your surgery are completely optional. If your recovery is on track, there should be no need for you to come back in. However, we encourage you to get in touch if you have any concerns and we can schedule an aftercare appointment. An eye examination with your community optometrist 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery is part of the recovery process. They can monitor your recovery, assess your eye health, and recommend glasses if necessary.
After vitreo retinal surgery, your eyes need to be rested and protected from harmful particles. We recommend taking time off work for the days following surgery and not scheduling any social engagements or trips.
Getting plenty of rest after your surgery will give your eyes time to recover. Try to limit screen time and avoid reading in low light. Protect your eyes, not only through hygiene but by wearing sunglasses when necessary.
Coughing, sneezing and vomiting can also increase pressure in the eyes and should be avoided as much as possible. While the days following the surgery may seem frustrating, they are an important part of how you can achieve clear vision for years to come.
