Definition

A surgical procedure to remove the gel-like substance in the eye called the vitreous humor, often done to treat various eye conditions.

Example

The doctor recommended a vitrectomy to improve the patient's vision.

Conversation

I heard you had to get a vitrectomy recently, how did it go?

It went well, actually! The doctor explained everything beforehand.

That's good to hear! Was it a long recovery after the vitrectomy?

Not too bad, just a bit of rest and following the doctor's advice.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vitrectomy → It is formed from "vitreus" (meaning glassy or relating to the vitreous humor of the eye) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektome", meaning excision or cutting out). The word refers to the surgical procedure of removing the vitreous humor from the eye.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vitreus' which relates to something glassy, like the clear gel in the eye, and '-ectomy' means to cut out. This helps you remember that vitrectomy is the procedure that cuts out the glassy substance in the eye.

Visually Confused Words