Vitreoretinal Eye Care and Surgery in Delray Beach, FL

Vitreoretinal conditions are a collection of eye diseases that impact the retina, macula (part of the retina), and the vitreous solution that surrounds this structure. In some cases, general health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, trauma or injury, and the natural aging process, can increase the risk of developing vitreoretinal diseases. These conditions can impact your vision and the health of your eyes and can lead to vision loss and blindness without proper care. The retina specialists at Rothchild Eye Institute perform vitrectomy procedures and other forms of eye care to decrease the progression of or repair damage caused by vitreoretinal disorders. If you have symptoms of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, or other conditions, contact our Delray Beach, FL eye center and arrange for a consultation.

Vitreoretinal eye care can help to treat retina diseases in the eye, as it works as a preventive measure to help with any issues of the retina. The removal of excess vitreous (gel-like fluid in your eye) helps with drainage issues and provides ideal access to the retina. When you undergo this type of retina disease treatment, it helps to improve the outcome and reduce any chances of the following:

• Retinal detachment
• Macular edema (swelling)
• Retinal tears

Additional benefits of vitreoretinal eye care are seen when access to the retina is necessary. The retina repairs that are made easier as a result of vitreoretinal eye care include:

• Removal of scar tissue
• Laser repair for retinal detachments
• Treatment for macular holes

The next time you're searching for a vitreoretinal specialist near me, let our knowledgeable team help. Reach out to our team so we can assist and schedule an appointment to get started.

If your opthamologist finds that you vitreoretinal disease will not improve one its own or your eye or retina is at serious risk of damage, immediate treatment will likely be recommended. Ideal candidates for a vitrectomy have been experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time or are at serious risk of vision loss. By utilizing the lastest retina treatment, your opthamologist will remove the vitreous humor and replace it to help imrpove your symptoms. Though damage cannot be reversed, the remaining eye function and vision will be preserved.

Our skilled retina specialists use advanced technologies and techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage vitreoretinal disorders for various types of retina. Vitrectomy is one of the most common procedures we perform, which is a surgical process that removes some or all of the vitreous solution within the eye. This may be necessary to allow for detached retina repair, the removal of scar tissue, removal of a foreign body substance, or other conditions surrounding retinal function. Once the process is complete, the vitreous gel is replaced with a saline or oil-based solution or gas bubble. Other forms of surgical and laser techniques may be performed to treat retinal diseases and improve or preserve a patient's vision and eye function. 

Vitrectomy recovery typically lasts between two and four weeks. Many individuals experience swelling, redness, bruising, and irritation immediately after their procedure. These effects are normal and will dissipate as the eye heals. Medicated eye drops will likely be prescribed to encourage healing and protect against infection. Your vision may be blurry for a few days after a vitrectomy, but it will steadily improve as the eye continues to heal. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing. If you think you may be a candidate for vitreoretinal surgery in Delray Beach, FL, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What causes vitreoretinal disease?
Vitreoretinal disease includes several conditions affecting the retina, macula, and the vitreous solution surrounding these structures. Vitreoretinal diseases have several causes, including diabetes, the effects of aging, injury to the eye, and high blood pressure.

Can retina damage be reversed?
Often, once the retina has been damaged, it can’t be reversed. That’s why at Rothchild Eye Institute, Dr. Rothchild and his team of doctors stress the importance of regular eye exams to identify vitreoretinal disease early so it can be properly addressed with the proper retina disease treatment.

What is a vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous humor from the eyeball to treat a number of problems with the retina and/or vitreous. During the procedure, the vitreous is removed and replaced with another solution.

What are the signs of retina problems?
If you have retina damage, the symptoms can include:

• Double vision
• Spots in your central vision that are blurry or dark
• Dim or distorted central vision
• Floaters
• Flashing lights
• Straight lines that look wavy
• Images appearing then disappearing

Can lifestyle changes help prevent vitreoretinal diseases?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing vitreoretinal diseases. Maintaining a healthy diet, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses can support overall eye health. Regular eye exams are also crucial for early detection and prevention.

How long is the recovery process after a vitrectomy?
The recovery process after a vitrectomy can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the surgery. Most patients can expect several weeks for the eye to heal fully. You may need to avoid certain activities like heavy lifting, and your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions on positioning your head to aid the healing process. Follow-up visits will be necessary to monitor recovery and ensure proper healing.

Vitreoretinal diseases are common yet serious retina diseases of the eye that require expert skill and expertise. At Rothchild Eye Institute, our retinal specialists are exceptionally experienced at performing vitrectomy procedures and other treatments to repair a retinal tear or detachment, treat a macular hole, or minimize damage caused by diabetic retinopathy, among other concerns. For more information on vitreoretinal eye care and surgeries, please call our Delray Beach, FL ophthalmology center to schedule an appointment. We are pleased to accept a wide selection of insurance plans, Medicare, and CareCredit® financing for your convenience.