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Vitreo Retinal Surgery

Vitreo Retinal Surgery

Vitreo Retinal Surgery is a sub-specialty of ophthalmic surgery, and is required to treat the following conditions:

1. Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment refers to a condition where the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) peels off the inside wall of the eye (akin to wallpaper peeling off a wall). Without vitreo retinal surgery, the retina will not reattach and blindness will invariably result. Accordingly, retinal detachments need to be assessed and repaired by a vitreo retinal surgeon.

2. Epiretinal membrane

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) refers to an irregular surface involving the centre of the retina (the macula), and results in distorted vision. Epiretinal membranes are treated by peeling the offending membrane from the surface of the macula, using a vitreo retinal surgical technique.

3. Macular Hole

Macular Hole refers to a defect at the centre of the retina, and can be treated in a small proportion of cases with an injection, but in most cases the macular hole requires vitreo retinal surgery to repair the defect.

4. Vitreous Haemorrhage

The most common cause of vitreous haemorrhage, which refers to bleeding into the back of the eye, is diabetic eye disease, and if the blood does not clear in a reasonable time, vitreo retinal surgery will be required so that the retina can be fully assessed and also to restore vision to the patient.

Vitreo Retinal Surgery is very specialised, and patients with eye conditions requiring virtual retinal surgery are managed at the Institute of Eye Surgery.

Learn more about Vitreo Retinal Surgery and its treatment