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

A method for removing material from an eye, the method comprising:

• forming a single opening through a pars plana of the eye and a sclera of the eye using a sharp point of a shaft of a vitrector;
• cutting the material using a cutting device incorporated within the shaft;
• and
• removing the material from the eye using the vitrector, wherein:
• the vitrector comprises a hand piece;
• the shaft is configured to be inserted in the eye;
• the shaft is coupled at a first end to a first end of the hand piece;
• the shaft has a sharp second end opposite the first end of the shaft, the sharp second end of the shaft configured for piercing the pars plana of the eye and the sclera of the eye;
• the shaft has a total length, measured from the first end of the shaft to the sharp second end of the shaft, that is configured to be inserted into the eye and is between 0.5 inches and 0.5625 inches;
• a diameter of the shaft along the total length of the shaft is approximately 27 gauge;
• the shaft is configured to reach a mid-vitreous portion of the eye when the shaft is inserted into the eye;
• and
• the shaft has an inherent stiffness sufficient to pierce the pars plana and sclera of the eye without prior insertion of a trocar.