A vitrectomy is a procedure to remove vitreous from your eye and replace it with a saltwater solution (saline). Vitreous is a sticky, gel-like substance that fills most of the inside of the eyeball. The vitreous is clear and needs to stay clear for you to see properly. This procedure is done to stabilize or improve your vision.
You may need this procedure if:
• Your vitreous is cloudy.
• Your vitreous is pulling on the structures it touches and risks tearing them.
• You have a severe eye injury.
• You have scar tissue on the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye (retina).
• You have retinal bleeding.
• Your retina is wrinkled (macular pucker) or detached.
• You have an infection inside your eye.