Vitrector and method for performing a one-step posterior vitrectomy using the same

A surgical procedure comprising:

• performing a cataract surgery on an eye, the cataract surgery comprising:
• implanting an intraocular lens in the eye;
• and
• during the cataract surgery and after implanting the intraocular lens in the eye, performing a method to remove one or more floaters from a vitreous portion of the eye, the method comprising:
• filling an anterior chamber of the eye with viscoelastic fluid;
• hydrating an incision formed in the eye during implantation of the intraocular lens with fluid;
• visualizing the vitreous portion of the eye through a dilated pupil of the eye and the intraocular lens of the eye without inserting a separate light source into the eye;
• and
• while visualizing the vitreous portion of the eye:
• measuring a distance 3 mm to 3.5 mm posterior to a surgical limbus of the eye;
• forming a single insertion entry port through a pars plana and a sclera of the eye using a vitrector comprising a hand piece, a shaft fixedly attached at a first end thereof to a first end of the hand piece, and a sharply pointed needle tip fixedly connected to a second end of the shaft for piercing the pars plana and sclera of the eye;
• based on the measurement, positioning the needle tip of the vitrector in an anterior or mid-vitreous portion of the eye;
• pneumatically driving a pneumatically driven guillotine cutter incorporated within the shaft to sever the one or more floaters from the vitreous portion of the eye;
• and
• aspirating the one or more severed floaters from the eye;
• removing the vitrector from the eye;
• removing the viscoelastic fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye;
• and
• following removal of the vitrector from the eye, infusing the eye with a saline solution.