Vitrectomy and Post Operative Treatment for Eye Pressure
A vitrectomy is a common surgery that restores, preserves, and improves vision. This procedure comes with the risk of post-operative eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, that threatens to damage the optic nerve.
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Uses
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A vitrectomy is performed for retinal disorders and other eye conditions that affect vision ability, including retinal detachment, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, and post-cataract surgery complications.
Features
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A vitrectomy is performed in an operating room under local anesthesia with sedation. The vitreous gel of the eye is removed and replaced with a mixture of gas and air.
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Recovery Time Frame
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After a vitrectomy, the patient must cease all activity and lie face down for two to three weeks to avoid ocular hypertension. Full visual recovery may take a few months.
Maintaining Head Position
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After surgery, the patient must avoid looking upward or lying on the back to avoid raising intraocular pressure.
Air Travel
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Patients must avoid air travel for a few months after surgery. The change in atmospheric pressure could cause a gas bubble in the eye to expand, raising eye pressure.
Eye Drops
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The surgeon may prescribe special eye drops to avoid elevated eye pressure.
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