What is pars plana vitrectomy?
Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is keyhole surgery for the back of the eye. The surgeon makes three tiny openings through the pars plana, a safe part of the eye wall just behind the iris, and uses a fine cutter to remove the vitreous gel, gaining clear access to the retina so it can be repaired.
Conditions it treats
PPV is used for a wide range of vitreoretinal problems, including retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage (often from diabetic retinopathy), macular holes, epiretinal membranes (macular pucker), tractional retinal detachment, dropped lens fragments after cataract surgery and severe infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis).
How the surgery is performed
The procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia using modern small-gauge (23, 25 or 27 gauge), often stitch-less instruments. After the vitreous is removed, the surgeon may peel delicate membranes, apply laser and fill the eye with a gas bubble or silicone oil to support the retina while it heals.
Recovery and aftercare
If a gas bubble or silicone oil is placed, you may be asked to hold a particular head position (such as face-down posturing) for a time, and you must not fly or travel to high altitude while a gas bubble remains in the eye. Eye drops and follow-up visits are important, and vision usually improves gradually over weeks to months depending on the condition treated.