Vitreoretinal Eye Care and Surgery in Lake Worth, FL

Vitreous humor is a jelly-like, watery substance that fills the inner part of your eye and provides structure so your eye can maintain its shape. Sometimes, this fluid can become murky because of scarring, injuries, bruising, or debris. If this happens, it can hinder your ability to see well, and you may benefit from a vitrectomy. A vitrectomy surgically eliminates the eye fluid to avoid severe complications, such as retinal detachment or tears, diabetic retinopathy, a macular hole, or other concerns. Proper care is critical to preventing vitreoretinal damage or other eye conditions, like the ones mentioned above, that can cause impairment or total vision loss. Our board-certified ophthalmologists have years of experience performing this type of eye procedure and can assess if it works best for your needs. For more information on vitrectomy in Lake Worth, FL, contact our office today.

The benefits of vitrectomy can be vast. One of the main benefits is that it clears out the blood from the gelatinous tissue (vitreous humor) when the eye is unable to clear it on its own. This treatment can also help restore any vision loss that was caused by the vitreous humor. Additionally, it can treat and repair large tears in the retina and assist in preventing retinal detachments. Overall, this treatment helps your eye with its function when it is negatively affected — so you don't suffer from permanent vision loss. For more information on how this treatment may work for you, schedule a consultation with our team.

There are a variety of eye conditions that could qualify you for vitrectomy eye surgery. Although we will usually try something less invasive first, you may qualify for a vitrectomy if you have:

• A serious eye injury
• Diabetic retinopathy
• A retinal tear
• A retinal detachment
• A wrinkle in the retina
• An inner eye infection
• Cataract surgery complications

After developing a treatment plan, our team at Palm Beach Eye Center can schedule your surgery. Each procedure begins with us numbing your eye. Once numb, our Lake Worth, FL, eye doctors use small devices and precise techniques to create a tiny incision in the white part of your eye or the sclera. Next, they carefully withdraw a little or all of your vitreous fluid. If your vitreous fluid caused another eye complication or you have an eye condition that requires treatment, we will address it at this time. After repairing any damage, we replace your vitreous humor with silicone oil, saline, air, or a gas bubble. This supports the structure of your retina until your eye has a chance to heal. Following your surgery, we may manually remove the bubble, or it naturally absorbs into the body once you start to produce new fluid. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure your eye heals properly.

It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, irritation, and redress immediately after the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will likely prescribe medicated eye drops to protect against infection and encourage healing in the eye. Your vision may be imperfect for several days, but as the eye heals, your vision will significantly improve. Patients can expect the vitrectomy recovery period to last approximately 2 – 4 weeks. We will provide you with optimal sleep positions, so as not to increase pressure on the eyes while sleeping. Our team will discuss precise aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing following a vitrectomy procedure.

How can I prepare for my vitrectomy?
There is not a lot you need to do to prepare for your vitrectomy. We advise that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day prior to your surgery. We ask that you make a list of any follow-up questions you may have so we can go over them. And we also suggest you wear loose-fitting clothes to your surgery so you can remain comfortable before and after your treatment.

How long does it take for my vision to clear up after a vitrectomy?
For most, you should experience clearer vision after 2 – 4 weeks.

What can I not do after a vitrectomy?
After your procedure, you'll need to avoid activities such as driving, reading, and exercising for a determined amount of time. We'll work with you to make sure you understand post-care instructions based on your particular treatment plan.

Will vision improve after a vitrectomy?
Vision improvement after a vitrectomy depends on the underlying condition being treated. In some cases, vision improves significantly, while in others, it may stabilize or only partially improve. The success of the surgery also depends on the patient's overall eye health and the severity of the condition.

How soon can I return to work after a vitrectomy?
The recovery time for returning to work varies depending on the type of work you do. Most people can return to desk or non-strenuous work within a week, but those who perform physically demanding tasks may need to wait several weeks before returning to full activity.

Can vitrectomy prevent future eye problems?
A vitrectomy can help treat existing conditions like retinal detachment or macular holes, but it may not prevent other eye issues from occurring in the future. Ongoing eye care, regular check-ups, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes are important for maintaining eye health.

At Palm Beach Eye Center in Lake Worth, FL, our team proudly offers solutions and patient-centered care for addressing retinal damage and treating eye conditions that deal with vitreous fluid or other parts of the eye. As a premier eye center serving Delray Beach, and surrounding Florida communities, our skilled eye care professionals can help patients with their various ocular needs. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about vitrectomy in Lake Worth, FL, payment plans, and insurance options. We look forward to helping you live with better vision.