A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure performed in the operating room. During this procedure the patient is usually sedated, and numbing medication is administered near the eye, so that there is no pain. The surgeon enters the eye through small port, about ½ millimeter in size, removes the vitreous gel, and then may perform a number of techniques depending on the condition being treated.

Vitrectomy is commonly performed for macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments and vitreous hemorrhages (bleeds).

Typically, after the vitrectomy procedure the patient will go home (same day) with a patch and shield over the eye. The patient will follow up the next day in the office when the patch will be removed, the eye examined, and eye drops started. You can expect about 4 weeks of eye drop usage after surgery.

Dr. Ezon uses “small gauge” vitrectomy instruments and techniques to minimize discomfort. Often sutures are not needed to close these wounds.