Common Retina Surgeries and The Conditions They Treat

Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. This allows the surgeon to access and treat the retina directly. Vitrectomy is used to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and epiretinal membranes. The vitreous is replaced with a saline solution or a gas bubble to help the eye maintain its shape. Vitrectomy surgery typically takes 1-2 hours. Recovery involves using eye drops for several weeks. Complete visual recovery may take 4-6 weeks or longer.

Retinal Detachment Repair

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Surgery is required to reattach the retina. Common surgical methods include scleral buckling, where a band is placed around the eye to relieve retinal traction, and vitrectomy with gas bubble placement to push the retina back into place. Retinal detachment repair takes 1-2 hours. Patients need to maintain a face-down position for several days to keep the gas bubble in contact with the retina. Full recovery takes about 1-2 months.

Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) Surgery

An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the retina's surface, causing visual distortion and loss of central vision. ERM surgery, also called a membranectomy, involves carefully peeling away this membrane to restore vision. It is performed via vitrectomy and takes 1-2 hours. Vision slowly improves over a 3 to 12 month period as the eye adjusts and recovers.

Macular Hole Repair

Macular holes are small breaks in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp straight-ahead vision. Macular hole surgery involves a vitrectomy to remove traction on the macula, allowing the hole to close. The vitreous is often replaced with a gas bubble to aid closure. Macular hole surgery takes about 1 hour. Patients must maintain a face-down position for 1-2 days to keep the gas bubble in place. Vision gradually improves over several months.

Subretinal Surgery

Subretinal surgery involves operating beneath the retina. It may be used to remove hard-to-reach membranes under the retina or to administer stem cells or gene therapy. Subretinal procedures are more complex and usually reserved for advanced retinal conditions unresponsive to other treatments. Surgical time and recovery depend on the specific procedure.