Vitrectomy? | The Boneyard

Vitrectomy?

BIGMAC

BIGMAC

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Has anyone undergone a Vitrectomy procedure? What was the operation and recovery like?
 
That depends on why it's being done, but I was told "90% of the time it's 100% successful."

Why is it being considered?
 
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BIGMAC said:
Losing vision. Wondering what I can expect during recovery.
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Why are you losing vision? Detached retina?

I had a series of vitreous hemorrhages in '19/'20. No retina detachment. I've been on the fence as far as a vitrectomy is concerned.

I'm told recovery often depends on the reason a vitrectomy is being considered. ~80% need cataract surgery soon after, which is supposedly no big deal.
 
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Had a vitrectomy in both eyes in 2021 and 2022. mid-40's. Was told the cause was just the shape of my eyes and the retina was just stretched until it started to detach. 2 weeks off of work for each surgery. Not painful but you have to keep your head down and need to rent a special chair for 10-14 days. Watched March Madness that way one year, not fun. Pretty serious stuff though.
 
CTGoonie said:
Had a vitrectomy in both eyes in 2021 and 2022. mid-40's. Was told the cause was just the shape of my eyes and the retina was just stretched until it started to detach. 2 weeks off of work for each surgery. Not painful but you have to keep your head down and need to rent a special chair for 10-14 days. Watched March Madness that way one year, not fun. Pretty serious stuff though.
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That's nearly the worst case scenario, and why I've waited.

Did you have a detached retina prior to the vitrectomy? I'm told that very near sighted individuals are more likely to be prone to a detached retina.
 
temery said:
That's nearly the worst case scenario, and why I've waited.

Did you have a detached retina prior to the vitrectomy? I'm told that very near sighted individuals are more likely to be prone to a detached retina.
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Yes, I was very near-sighted since the 1st grade. I started to notice something like a horizon out of one eye so I called by eye dr who sent me to a specialist and then I had the first surgery a day or two later. Following year I went for a check up and they said the other would need it soon too so I just got it done. I've heard stories of the stitches not holding up for some people but so far so good for me. Ended up getting permanent contact implants a year or so after the 2nd surgery and now I only need glasses for driving at night. It's been great and can only hope the status quo continues.
 
CTGoonie said:
Yes, I was very near-sighted since the 1st grade. I started to notice something like a horizon out of one eye so I called by eye dr who sent me to a specialist and then I had the first surgery a day or two later. Following year I went for a check up and they said the other would need it soon too so I just got it done. I've heard stories of the stitches not holding up for some people but so far so good for me. Ended up getting permanent contact implants a year or so after the 2nd surgery and now I only need glasses for driving at night. It's been great and can only hope the status quo continues.
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The nightmare scenario that I've talked to people about is when the retina detaches and they have to fill the eye jelly with a bubble. The person has to sleep and stay face down in a special chair/bed so the bubble holds the retina place until it heals. This can take days or weeks. Face down for days/weeks 24/7 w/breaks to hit the bathroom, and to eat.

I'm told the special chair is like a massage table with room for your face to fit in, face down.
 
Yes, I had the bubble and special chair for each one. Not a fun experience. Sleeping was the worst and there are special pillows you could get. Still better than letting it fully detach and being blind.
 
CTGoonie said:
Yes, I had the bubble and special chair for each one. Not a fun experience. Sleeping was the worst and there are special pillows you could get. Still better than letting it fully detach and being blind.
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I am having surgery to remove a E.R.M. in my right eye. The membrane is getting thicker, and my vision is worse. It seems I will be using the special chair for healing purposes. Eye drops will also be used. How long did you use the contraption? how long before you were allowed to drive or just leave the house?
 
I think it was a full week where your head needs to be down 95% of the day. I think it was 2 weeks or so with no driving since it's just in one eye. The "chair" also comes with a mirror you can use to watch tv.
 
CTGoonie said:
Yes, I was very near-sighted since the 1st grade. I started to notice something like a horizon out of one eye so I called by eye dr who sent me to a specialist and then I had the first surgery a day or two later. Following year I went for a check up and they said the other would need it soon too so I just got it done. I've heard stories of the stitches not holding up for some people but so far so good for me. Ended up getting permanent contact implants a year or so after the 2nd surgery and now I only need glasses for driving at night. It's been great and can only hope the status quo continues.
Expand ...

Did they give you any happy pills to help you get through that first week or two?
 
CTGoonie said:
Had a vitrectomy in both eyes in 2021 and 2022. mid-40's. Was told the cause was just the shape of my eyes and the retina was just stretched until it started to detach. 2 weeks off of work for each surgery. Not painful but you have to keep your head down and need to rent a special chair for 10-14 days. Watched March Madness that way one year, not fun. Pretty serious stuff though.
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Is your avatar a presurgery selfie?
 

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