What is the treatment for vitreomacular traction?
In most cases, vitrectomy surgery is the most effective treatment to release the vitreomacular traction. During vitrectomy surgery, the vitreous is removed from the eye and the vitreous is separated from the back of the eye.
Can vitreomacular traction resolve itself?
Spontaneous resolution of vitreomacular traction occurs in about 10 to 30 percent of cases and usually takes about 18 months to occur. The smaller the area of attachment of the vitreous the center of the macula (on OCT scanning) the more likely the vitreomacular traction is to spontaneously resolve.
Is vitreomacular traction serious?
Vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome is an eye condition involving the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eyeball. It is a vision-threatening condition and can cause symptoms ranging from blurry vision to distorted and blacked-out central vision.
What are symptoms of vitreomacular traction?
The most common symptoms of vitreomacular traction (VMT) include:
- distorted vision that makes a grid of straight lines appear wavy, blurry, or blank.
- seeing flashes of light in your vision.
- seeing objects as smaller than their actual size.
How long does vitreous traction last?
The earlier the VMT is diagnosed and treated, the better the final outcome. Your vision will continue to improve slowly for up to one year.
How serious is macular traction?
Sometimes, the vitreous doesn’t come away completely, leaving some of the gel attached and pulling on the macula. This then results in vitreomacular traction (VMT). If this condition is left untreated, the damage can lead to a macular hole and vision loss.
How long does a vitrectomy take to heal?
After the surgery, your eye may be swollen, red, or tender for several weeks. You might have some pain in your eye and your vision may be blurry for a few days after the surgery. You will need 2 to 4 weeks to recover before you can do your normal activities again.
What should I do after a vitrectomy?
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Rest when you feel tired.
- Allow the eye to heal.
- If your doctor used an oil or gas bubble to hold the retina in place, keep your head in a certain position for most of the day and night for 1 to 3 weeks after the surgery.
What is vitrectomy eye surgery?
What is vitrectomy? A vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat various problems with the retina and vitreous. During the surgery, your surgeon removes the vitreous and replaces it with another solution. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the middle portion of your eye.
What happens if you don’t stay face down after vitrectomy?
Keeping your head in this face down position allows the bubble or oil to remain in the correct position so it heals as quickly and effectively as possible. Raising your head, flying in an airplane or even traveling to high altitudes during recovery can raise your eye pressure and cause other vision problems.
Is vitrectomy a major surgery?
A vitrectomy can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on what condition you’re treating. It may be just one in a series of procedures to repair a problem. You’ll have the option to stay awake and use numbing drops or shots in your eye.
How long do I have to stay face down after vitrectomy?
Patients having vitreo-retinal surgery for a macular hole will need to posture face down for 14 days; for other conditions this is only necessary for 5 days.
Do you have to sleep face down after vitrectomy?
Face down (“eyes down”) posturing is only required during waking hours, not when you’re sleeping. It is recommended to sleep on either side or even your front, but not sleep on your back as that would make the bubble move away from the macular hole.
Can you watch TV after vitrectomy?
Watching TV and reading will cause no harm. Your vision will remain blurred / poor for several weeks. Often the vision is distorted after surgery. This will vary depending on the type of operation, e.g. if a gas bubble is inserted into the eye, as the bubble shrinks you might see the edge of the bubble.
How do I keep my head down after a vitrectomy?
Tips to Keep Your Head Down at all Times
- While sitting at a table, lay your head on your folded arms.
- While sleeping, lie face down and allow your operated eye to hang over your pillow or edge of the bed.
- Purchase or rent equipment specifically for this type of recovery: Massage table. Adjustable face down chairs.
Can I watch TV after a vitrectomy?
Can you walk around after vitrectomy?
Walking during the after surgery period is allowed and encouraged for its health benefits; this is done by looking vertically downwards when walking, whilst trying to keep your head up as upright as possible.
How do you sleep face down after vitrectomy?
Making Your Face-down or Sideways Recovery easier:
- Sitting: Fold your arms on a table and lay your forehead on your arms.
- Lying down: Lie face down on a pillow; have the recovering side of your face hang off the edge of the bed.
- Anytime: Use special equipment that can make it easier to stay face down or sideways.
How do you sleep after a vitrectomy?
How long do you have to face down after vitrectomy surgery?