As defined by the UK organization Retinal Surgery, vitreoretinal surgery is a surgical procedure for the treatment of problems of the eye involving the retina, macula, and vitreous humor. The retina is the part of the eye where light signals are converted into neural signs and then transferred to the brain. The macula is the section near the center of the retina, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The vitreous humor is the clear gel present in the space between the lens and retina of the eyeball. Complications can present in patients who undergo viteoretinal surgery.
Cataract Development
The Macula Center website notes that the development of cataracts are one of the most common complications seen in macula hole surgery, which is a form of vitreoretinal surgery. A cataract is an eye disorder characterized by clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which results in hazy and blurred vision. While cataracts usually develop with age, this disorder is more likely to progress following a macula hole surgery.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
After undergoing vitreoretinal surgery, patients may experience vitreous hemorrhage, states MayoClinic.com. Vitreous hemorrhage is a condition in which bleeding occurring in nearby parts of the eye leaks into the vitreous humor. Minor bleeding will be visible only as few dark spots or floaters. However, severe bleeding can result in complete blockage of vision. This blood will often clear from the eye within a few weeks or months. Patients may regain their vision to its previous clarity if the retina is undamaged.
Retinal Detachment
According to MayoClinic.com, vitreoretinal surgery increases the risk of developing retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is the eye disorder characterized by the separation of retina from the choroid in the back of the eye. It is a result of stimulated growth of scar tissue due to the presence of abnormal blood vessels after vitreoretinal surgery. Retinal detachment causes the formation of spots floating in the vision, flashes of light, as well as severe vision loss in affected patients. Retinal detachment may occur immediately after the vitreoretinal surgery, or months or even years after the completion of surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
MayoClinic.com states that vitreoretinal surgery may result in the development of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disorder characterized by a damaged optic nerve, hardening of the eyeball and partial to complete vision loss. Glaucoma is a result of excessive fluid pressure that builds up in the eye due to poor drainage of the fluid that supplies nutrients to the cornea and lens.
