We provide Vitrectomy surgery for existing SpaMedica patients only. This is provided to cataract surgery patients who have experienced a complication in cataract surgery and require specialist vitreous surgery. Vitrectomy is an operation to remove the vitreous gel, a transparent jelly, from the middle of your eye. Removing the vitreous gel gives your ophthalmologist better access to the back of the eye, allowing them to treat your eye.
The vitreous is located behind your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and the lens, and in front of the retina. Its function is to provide a transparent medium for the passage of light to the retina.
If you are an existing SpaMedica patient and experience any of the following symptoms please contact us. If you are not a SpaMedica patient please visit your local optician, GP or hospital if you experience any of the symptoms below:
During surgery, your ophthalmologist will use small tools to remove the vitreous gel. Then the doctor will treat other eye problems, such as a retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, scar tissue on the retina, or tears or holes in the macula.
At the end of the surgery, the doctor may inject an oil or gas bubble into the eye. This lightly presses the retina against the wall of the eye. If an oil bubble is used, the doctor will need to remove the oil after the eye has healed.
We’ve put together a journey map for our patients to show the stages of your vitrectomy treatment and what you can expect at each stage. We hope you find this useful and that is answers some of your questions – please call us if you would like any more information about any of the stages or what to expect on your patient journey.
If you are an existing SpaMedica patient and there is an indication that you may require vitrectomy surgery, this will be picked up on your cataract surgery appointment, your post-surgery assessment check or if you are experiencing difficulty with your eyesight in the first three months following surgery.
If you are not a SpaMedica patient please visit your local optician, who will examine your eyes and conduct a sight test to check the quality of your vision and they will refer you to your local hospital for an eye check and treatment.
One of our SpaMedica Referrals team will call you to talk through the next steps with you, answer any questions you may have and you choose an appointment date to suit you.
You will receive written confirmation of your appointment date, along with a map and hospital location details. SpaMedica provides a comprehensive patient information booklet on Vitrectomy surgery, which includes what you can expect at each stage of your patient journey. You can download a copy of this booklet by clicking here.
The purpose of your first appointment at the hospital is to run a thorough check on your eyes to confirm what the best treatment for you is. Several eye tests will be conducted, with your appointment lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours (which includes about 40 minutes to allow your pupils to dilate – see ‘part 4’ below).
Dilating the eyes causes blurred vision and sensitivity to light, so you won’t be able to drive; so it’s important to make sure you organise a lift or arrange transport to/from the hospital. SpaMedica provides free transport for some patients, based on your location and other criteria – if you’re struggling to find transport please speak to a member of our Referrals team to see if you qualify for free transport.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have with the nurse and/or optometrist – see ‘steps 5 and 6 below.
You’ll need to bring a list of your current medications, record book (if you’re diabetic or taking Warfarin) and a contact number of a relative/friend. If you wear contact lenses these should not be worn at least 24 hours before your appointment.
So what will happen at this appointment?
Your surgery appointment will last about 4 to 6 hours, with the surgery lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. You will have a local anaesthetic to numb your eye so you will not feel any pain.
At home, following surgery, you may need to keep your head in a certain position for a while. This helps the gas or oil bubble push against the detachment. Your nurse will tell you what position you need to be in and how long for.
Advice and recommendations for treatment
And here’s some detailed information about what to expect during your treatment appointment – all the SpaMedica team are here to support you, make you feel at ease and make your time with us as stress-free as possible.
Your eye is likely to be sensitive, swollen and red following surgery.
Your vision will be extremely blurred in the operated eye after surgery if the eye is filled with a gas bubble.
While you have a gas bubble in your eye, you must not travel by airplane, drive or climb to high altitudes because gas expands at low atmospheric pressures.
This bubble disappears on its own over 6 to 8 weeks, as the gas absorbs and the bubble shrinks. Depending on how well the retina is functioning you will be able to see better each day over the 2 to 3 week period.
Do take your posturing seriously. Failure to stay in the correct position will result in failure of the operation.
Sometimes the eye may feel a little scratchy after the operation but it should not be painful.
If you have discomfort, we suggest that you take paracetamol or your regular choice of painkiller every 4 to 6 hours, in accordance with the correct dosage OR your prescribed painkillers, as directed.
Do not rub the eye which has been operated on.
Your eye is likely to be sensitive, swollen and red following surgery.
Your vision will be extremely blurred in the operated eye after surgery if the eye is filled with a gas bubble.
This bubble disappears on its own over 6 to 8 weeks, as the gas absorbs and the bubble shrinks. Depending on how well the retina is functioning you will be able to see better each day over this period.
While you have a gas bubble in your eye, you must not travel by airplane, drive or climb to high altitudes because gas expands at low atmospheric pressures.
The main thing to consider following eye surgery is to reduce the risk of infection in the eye, so it’s important to avoid any environments or activities that would increase this risk.
Urgent post-care – If you experience any of the following symptoms following surgery then please call our emergency helpline on 0161 838 0883 – if you have a general enquiry please call 0330 058 4280, the helpline is for emergencies only.
If you run out of drops or think you may run out of drops please contact your GP for replenishment.
We will write to your GP immediately after surgery so that they know what discharge medication you were supplied with. If they are unable to find the letter sent to them, you may need to take the empty drops bottle into your practice to obtain a prescription.
Working
Normally patients are off work for one week following surgery but on occasions this may be longer.
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