Vitrectomy Near San Fernando Valley, CA

A vitrectomy is an advanced eye surgery that removes the vitreous fluid from within the eye. This allows our expert ophthalmologists to repair any retinal damage. After repairing the retinal injury, the fluid is substituted with saline, silicone, or gas bubble to help stabilize the retina as it starts to heal. Based on the type of bubble we use, you could need a follow-up surgery to have it removed. However, certain bubbles automatically absorb into the body after it starts to create new vitreous fluid. At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA,  we complete vitrectomies as an outpatient treatment.

Our team is proud to offer years of experience and the utmost precision when it comes to performing vitrectomies. If you would like to learn more and to see if you are a good fit for the surgery, please schedule a comprehensive exam at one of our locations in Encino or West Hills. 

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, a vitrectomy can be a wonderful procedure for individuals who are plagued by detached retinas. Other benefits of this procedure that our Los Angeles, CA patients enjoy include:

• Decreased tension on your retina
• Easier access for your eye surgeon to the retina
• Highly successful procedure, even for older patients
• Ability to decrease symptoms of debilitating scar tissue in the retina

Before we try a vitrectomy, we usually start with more conservative methods to try and repair retinal disorders. If less invasive options have not worked, our ophthalmologists can perform a vitrectomy. Certain eye conditions that can benefit from vitrectomy may include:

• Serious eye injury
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal tears or detachments
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• A wrinkle or hole in the center part of the retina (macula)
• Cataract surgery issues

Based on your health and the severity of your retinal disorder, our ophthalmologists may perform the vitrectomy with local or general anesthesia. Before your surgery, we start by numbing your eyes with special anesthetic eye drops, and depending on the type of anesthesia, we may check your vitals with an EKG or oxygen and blood pressure machines.

Once our ophthalmologist has administered the anesthesia, he or she will clean your eye(s) with an antiseptic and place a speculum to prevent you from blinking or moving your eye. Next, our skilled doctors use very thin, precise tools to complete the vitrectomy. After removing the vitreous fluid, we repair the retinal damage and insert a silicone, saline, or gas bubble. This helps keep the retina stable and in its correct position.

Following your treatment, we may ask you to lie face down for the next couple of hours or ask you to sit straight, depending on the type of bubble we selected. We ask patients to do this because it helps position the bubble over the correct part of your eye. Before the surgery, we will provide information about specialized chairs or pillows that can help you stay in the appropriate position. Prior to your surgery, you will receive detailed post-operative directions, and we will make sure you feel confident about them before you leave to recover at home. It’s extremely important for you to attend all of your scheduled follow-up appointments after surgery so we can ensure your eye is healing correctly.

How much does a vitrectomy cost?

The overall cost of a vitrectomy will vary from patient to patient depending on a number of factors. During your appointment, our team will listen to your concerns and assess your situation to create a treatment plan. At that point, we’ll be able to provide a more accurate price estimate.

Is a vitrectomy painful?

During the surgery, the patient will be unconcious and unable to feel anything. Afterwards, there may be some light soreness but it can be easily handled with pain medication.

How should I sleep after a vitrectomy?

Patients should sleep face down on a pillow with the recovering side of their face hanging off the edge of the bed. This position reduces pain and keeps any pressure off of your eye while it recovers.

We know that retinal surgery may seem intimidating, but don’t let a retinal problem impact your daily life. With years of experience, our expert ophthalmologists at Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA are skilled, caring, and always on top of the latest research and technology. We strive to help you feel confident and knowledgeable about your vitrectomy and will help you throughout your entire time with us. To learn more about vitrectomy and how it can improve your quality of life, please schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Encino or West Hills.