bubbles on eye after Vitrectomy

[dsteamn]

My father had a  Vitrectomy a 10 days ago.  He had no pain post-operatively and needed no pain medication.  He stayed in the head down position for one week.  Now that he is upright, we can see tiny bubbles that have formed over the pupil of the eye - looks like tiny suds (or spit to be a little more graphic).  The pupil is completely covered and white.  The surgeon says he has never seen this before and needs to research it to see what to do.  He is now developing pain in the eye and taking Tylenol in an attempt to control it.  He currently has no vision in the eye.  

Has you heard of this or know what it means?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Debbie

[dsteamn]

Good evening,
I went to see my parents tonight.  My mother said the Vitrectomy was done to repair a hole in the macula - grade 3 out of 4.  His pressure has been up to 25 since the surgery which is being controlled with drops.  Gas was used for the procedure.  He had cataract surgery several years ago, and the retinal specialist suspects there is condensation which has developed on the lens.  The bubbles developed on day 12 after the procedure.  I was mistaken when I said the surgery was ten days ago.  It was really 2 1/2 weeks - not 1/1/2.  

My mother said the bubbles were gone this morning when my father woke up.  However, within a few hours, they had returned.  There is, however, a pin point black spot in the middle of them now, whereas before it was completely white.  He says he can see the gas bubble inside of his eye move around if he turns his head a certain way.

Can you shed som light on this rather bizare complication?  We are totally baffled by it.

Thank you so much.

[dsteamn]

Thanks.  I'll check with my Mom to try and get more information for you.  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm sorry but without knowing what exact surgery was done for what condition and what gas was used or if silicone was used - I just can't be much help.  Gas bubbles can definitely work their way into the anterior chamber - I've seen it several times before.  What may be causing pain could be elevated intraocular pressure.  It that is the case - there are several glaucoma drops that can help.  Otherwise I suspect that proper positioning may be some benefit and he may even have to go back to the operating roon if necessary.  I'm not in a position to be much help here.

MJK MD