The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the center of the eye. It should be clear.
Drawing shows how instruments are inserted into the eye to visualize the vitreous (the light) and to break it up and suck it out (the vitrector). In this particular example, there is bleeding inside the eye, although there are many other reasons for doing a vitrectomy.
In some cases, removing the vitreous will help a person see better. This surgery is called “vitrectomy.”
Reasons to undergo vitrectomy include blood in the vitreous and certain problems with retina, which lines the inside of the eye. Sometimes, vitrectomy seems to help reduce inflammation in the eye.
