Peeling bei einem Makulaloch
“Vitreus” means to cut glass body and “-ectomy”, therefore one speaks of vitreous body surgery. The vitreous is the transparent gel inside the eye. During vitrectomy, three very small approaches (0.4 to 0.7 mm) are made with instruments. The surgeon looks into the interior of the eye using a special surgical microscope attachment. At the beginning of each vitrectomy is the removal of the vitreous body. Subsequently, depending on the disease of the patient, the retinal detachment can be rehabilitated, the epiretinal gliosis or macular pucker removed or the macular hole closed. Often it is necessary at the end of the operation to bring a tamponade into the eye. As a result, the retina is pressed against the inside of the eye and can stick there. The tamponade consists either of a gas mixture, which dissolves by itself in a few weeks or of silicone oil, which must be removed after a few months. During the time that the silicone oil is in the eye, the diopter of the eye changes. If no tamponade is introduced into the eye, a special sterile liquid mixture is left in the eye. Over time, the body replaces it with aqueous humor that is formed in the eye itself.
How long is the average hospital stay?
Most of the patients stay in the hospital only the night of the day of surgery. Sometimes a second or third night is necessary.
How long does the healing take?
The healing differs depending on the operation. A complete healing of the tissue is given on average after 4 to 6 weeks. However, vision may take months to reach the best possible result. The wounds are self-closing and usually do not require sutures. If sutures have been used during surgery, they will resolve themselves.
Was muss ich nach der GlaskörperOperation beachten?
On the day after the operation an ophthalmologist check is necessary. Exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. It is also advisable to wear a protective shell at night. Often it is necessary after a vitrectomy to take a special storage, to support the healing process (face, back, right side or left side position, leave the head bent down). After a retinal operation (vitrectomy) and after the temporary introduction of a gas mixture into the eye, air travel and altitude stays of more than 1000 meters must be avoided, as long as there is still gas in the eye. Otherwise it can lead to increased eye pressure and blindness. If silicone oil has been introduced into the eye, it must be removed as part of a second operation. A gas mixture as well as air reabsorbs itself in the eye within a few days or several weeks.
