The following postings from the ROP list provide some information about vitrectomy and the experience of patients who have had this procedure done. The ROP list was moderated by Dr. Scott Richards until August, 2002. The list has closed now. For more information about lists of interest to people with visual impairments, please visit the email list index.
Date: June 24, 1998
From: Scott Richards
A vitrectomy is a technique in which a suction/cutter device is placed inside the eye and the vitreous is removed from the eye. It has many applications in adults, including removing blood from inside the eye, repairing retinal detachments, peeling membranes off the retina, etc. In babies with ROP, the purpose is to remove the scar tissue on the surface of the retina that is pulling the retina off the wall of the eye.
In general, for ROP, the vitrectomy tends to be more effective at re-attaching the retina than the buckle. However, the vitrectomy is much more invasive, causing cataract and putting the eye at increased risk for severe infections, etc. For this reason, if a buckle is likely to work, it is worthwhile trying that procedure first. In cases of complete or very extensive detachment, the buckle is unlikely to work, and we go straight to the vitrectomy. Of course, every case is different and needs to be assessed individually.