Michigan Retina-Vitreous Institute
Most surgeries are performed at The Surgery Center, the area's first, most experienced, and only physician-controlled multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center. At times, surgeries are performed at local area hospital operating rooms.
VITRECTOMY SURGERY
Vitrectomy surgery is a microsurgical technique that is used to treat a variety of retinal diseases. In this operation, three small needle-sized incisions are made through the eye wall allowing the removal of the vitreous gel that fills the majority of the eye. This allows for clearing of blood, the removal of scar tissue, and the repair of detachment. Laser treatment may be applied, and in some cases, a gas or silicone oil bubble may be left in the eye to hold your retina in place while it heals. Should a gas bubble be used, you cannot fly in an airplane or undergo anesthesia utilizing nitrous oxide gas until the bubble evaporates in 3 to 8 weeks. In addition, you may need to position your head appropriately (sometimes directly face down) to allow for proper healing. More than one operation are sometimes needed.
SCLERAL BUCKLE
This surgery involves the placement of a silicone band around the equator of the exterior of the eye underneath the muscles that control the movement of the eye. This indents the eye wall compressing tears and flattening a retinal detachment. Sometimes a small gas bubble is injected into the eye and sometimes this technique is combined with vitrectomy surgery to repair more complicated retinal detachments.