Vitrectomy with Membrane Stripping The vitreous fluid is the clear gel filling the posterior cavity of the eyeball. The physician applies a special contact lens to the cornea to better visualize the back of the eye. Three small incisions are made in the eyeball, near the juncture of the cornea and sclera. One incision is for a light instrument, one for an infusion instrument, and one for cutting or suction instruments. The physician removes the vitreous fluid, using a mechanical cutting and suctioning process that may involve a special instrument like an extractor or vitreous infusion suction cutter. To strip the epiretinal membrane, the physician uses a retinal cutting instrument to peel the membrane or scar tissue which creates tension on the retinal surface. The physician will then complete the procedure by inserting a syringe in the eye to inject a material like healon. The injection may be required to replace vitreous that has been aspirated as part of this procedure, to restore intraocular pressure lost in another manner. The instruments are removed and the incisions closed. Injections may be required to reestablish intraocular pressure. A topical antibiotic or pressure patch may be applied.