It is important to remember that, like with any operation, eye surgery can have potential complications. Below are some of the complications that may occur with vitrectomy for floaters or for other conditions.
Hypotony – Sutureless vitrectomy has been performed all over the world for many years without any concern for low pressure in the eye (hypotony). This has never happened following limited vitrectomy at the VMR Institute.
Bleeding – There is sometimes blood on the surface of the eye. This has no impact on vision and clears within a couple of weeks. On rare occasion there can be blurred vision and “cobwebs” after limited vitrectomy due to vitreous hemorrhage. This has happened only twice in our experience and in each instance the blood cleared on its own after 2 to 3 weeks.
Cataract – We have modified the technique of vitrectomy to prevent cataracts. Our results show that in contrast to an 87% incidence at other centers, we have 23% after 1 year and only 40% after 2 years. No one under the age of 53 has required cataract surgery after limited vitrectomy for eye floaters.
Retinal Detachment –We have not had any cases of retinal detachment following limited vitrectomy for eye floaters, using our surgical technique.
Infection – VMR Institute has not seen cases of infection after limited vitrectomy for floaters. Patients use antibiotic drops for one week to prevent infection.