Protect and preserve your vision with advanced retinal surgery. Expert care to safeguard your sight and maintain lifelong eye health.
Precision care, lasting vision
Vitreoretinal surgery is a highly specialised area of ophthalmology that focuses on the treatment of disorders affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous body of the eye. These conditions can range from age-related macular degeneration to diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, and eye trauma. At our clinic, we employ the latest techniques and technologies to provide our patients with the best possible care and outcomes.
What is retinal surgery?
Vitreoretinal surgery involves procedures performed on the vitreous gel (the transparent substance filling the eye) and the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). This surgery is typically required when conditions of the retina or vitreous cannot be treated effectively with non-surgical methods, or when there is a risk of vision loss that can be mitigated through intervention.
The Types of Vitreoretinal Surgery
Vitreoretinal surgeries are typically performed using minimally invasive techniques with small incisions, often under local anaesthesia. The primary surgical methods used include:
1. Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV): This is the most common technique used in vitreoretinal surgery. It involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye to allow better access to the retina. Once the vitreous is removed, the retina can be repaired or treated. PPV is often used for conditions like retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, or macular holes.
2. Scleral Buckling: This procedure involves placing a flexible band around the eye to support the retina in cases of retinal detachment. It works by pushing the wall of the eye against the detached area, facilitating reattachment.
3. Retinal Laser Surgery: A laser is used to seal retinal tears or holes or to treat areas of the retina affected by diabetic retinopathy. This is often done in conjunction with other surgical procedures.
4. Pneumatic Retinopexy: This technique involves injecting a gas bubble into the eye, which helps to reattach the retina. It’s typically used for certain types of retinal detachments.
5. Anti-VEGF Injections: While not strictly a surgery, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections are often used to treat conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular oedema. These injections help reduce fluid leakage and prevent further damage to the retina.
Can we help?
If you would like to know more about us, or want to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tel: 0203 411 1820
Conditions requiring vitreoretinal surgery
Floaters
Floaters, often described as “spider webs” or “black dots,” are typically benign and require no treatment. However, when they interfere with daily activities like reading or driving, laser treatment or surgery can reduce or remove them.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
PVD occurs when the vitreous detaches from the retina, a normal age-related change usually unnoticed. However, sudden floaters or flashes may indicate a retinal tear or detachment, requiring immediate evaluation and treatment.
Retinal breaks and tears
Retinal breaks, caused by vitreous traction or spontaneously, can lead to retinal detachment—a sight-threatening condition. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent vision loss.
Retinal Detachment
This occurs when the retina separates from the underlying choroid layer. Without prompt surgical intervention (scleral buckling or vitrectomy), it can result in permanent vision loss.
Epiretinal Membrane (ERM)
Scar tissue on the macula’s surface causes blurring, distortion, or double vision. Surgical removal of the membrane often improves vision and reduces distortion.
Macular Hole
A defect in the central macula (fovea) causes vision distortion, making tasks like reading difficult. Surgical repair significantly improves vision in most cases.
Diabetic Retinopathy
This diabetes-related condition damages retinal blood vessels, leading to macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, or tractional retinal detachment. Treatment includes laser, intravitreal injections, or surgery to preserve or improve vision.
Vitreous Haemorrhage
Bleeding into the vitreous cavity often results from diabetic retinopathy, trauma, or retinal tears. It causes sudden vision loss or blurring. Treatment may include observation, laser therapy, or vitrectomy to remove the blood and treat the underlying cause.
Submacular Haemorrhage
Age-related macular degeneration can cause fragile blood vessels to bleed under the macula, damaging photoreceptors. Treatment involves gas displacement or surgical drainage to improve vision.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, leading to central vision loss. The wet form involves abnormal blood vessel growth, which can cause submacular haemorrhage or scarring. Treatments include anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, or surgery to manage complications like hemorrhages.
Trauma & Its Complications
Eye trauma can damage external or internal structures, causing vision loss or reduced quality. Most cases can be treated with surgical repair and tissue reconstruction to restore and improve vision. Prompt treatment is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Meet our Retinal and Vitreoretinal Specialists
What to expect
Pre-surgery
Before your surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive eye examination and a detailed discussion about your vision goals. Based on your lifestyle and vision needs, a tailored recommendation will be made to ensure optimum results.
Surgery day
The surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting or at a surgical centre, with most patients returning home the same day. Depending on the complexity of the condition and the surgical technique required, the procedure can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Anaesthesia: The patient is usually given local anaesthesia to numb the eye, and often sedative medication to help them relax. In some cases, general anaesthesia may be used, particularly in more complex surgeries.
Surgical Instruments: During the procedure, the surgeon will make small incisions in the sclera (the white of the eye) to insert instruments such as a microscope, light source, and vitrector (for removing vitreous gel). If necessary, lasers will be used to treat the retina or the macula.
Post-Surgery Care: Following the surgery, patients may need to follow specific instructions for recovery, including positioning the head in certain ways to ensure the retina heals correctly, as well as using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection or inflammation.
Post-surgery
Recovery from vitreoretinal surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the underlying condition being treated. Typically, patients can expect to experience some discomfort, blurry vision, and possibly floaters in the immediate postoperative period. These symptoms usually improve over time.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within a few days, but full recovery can take several weeks to months, particularly if the surgery involved the macula or complex retinal repairs. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure that the retina remains stable.
The prognosis for recovery of vision depends on the specific condition being treated, the success of the surgery, and the timeliness of the intervention. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key factors in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Consultation process
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