Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy can take from one to several hours, depending on the condition. It may be just one in a series of procedures to repair a problem. Patients have the option to stay awake and use numbing drops or shots in eye, or might get general anesthesia. The doctor will make a cut in the outer layer and the sclera, the white part in eye. He/she will remove the vitreous fluid, scar tissue or debris with a needle in the eye. Once the fluid is gone, the doctor will make any other repairs that patient might need. Before they're done, the doctor will fill the eye with saline. Vitrectomy procedures are often done alongside other eye surgeries, so individual recovery time and recommendations vary.