Vitrectomy Surgery — Procedure, Risks And Potential Complications
Vitrectomy surgery involves the removal and replacement of the vitreous gel, which is the fluid inside your eye. It is a successful procedure often used as part of another surgery. Based on any other procedures needed, most people find recovery is quick, taking only several weeks for a full recovery.
The vitreous gel is a substance made up of ninety-eight percent water and gives your eye its shape. A vitrectomy surgery is an outpatient surgery where you can recover in the comfort of your own home.
Before your surgery, you will have an appointment with your ophthalmologist who will examine the eye they will be operating on. They will discuss any medications you may be taking, along with any foods and drinks you need to avoid before the surgery day.
During the surgery, your eye will receive an anesthetic that will numb it. The team cleans the eye and an eye speculum is then used, keeping the eye open throughout the procedure.
The doctor makes a small incision in the outer membrane of the eye and then accesses the eye using small instruments and a microscope with fiber-optic light, which helps them see into the eye. A vitrector or vitrectomy probe is used to cut the vitreous gel and a suction is used to remove it.
After this step, the surgeon may continue carrying out another surgery, such as a retinal surgery, Once completed, they fill the eye with a saline solution, silicone oil, gas, or air bubble. This helps to keep your eye in shape until your eye makes new vitreous gel.
You will be given an antibiotic eye ointment that must be used as per the surgeon’s instructions to prevent the risk of infection. You may have a patch over the eye to protect it against dust and dirt. In some cases, you will need to lie face down for some time.
The most common reasons for vitrectomy surgery include eye infections, eye trauma, cataract problems, floaters, retina damage or detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and more.
As with any surgery, there are some risks and complications you need to be aware of if you are having vitrectomy surgery. While complications are rare, the surgery can come with some risks. Vitrectomy surgery has a ninety percent success rate.
Possible complications and side effects include inflammation, swelling, and pain or bleeding inside the eye, along with infection, increased eye pressure, surgical injury, retinal swelling, or vision changes where you need to wear new glasses. In rare cases, some patients have experienced the loss of night vision, depth perception, or blurred vision. Others experienced double vision and in extreme cases, patients have experienced retinal detachment.
Vitrectomy surgery is often done with another eye surgery, so recovery times vary based on the reason you are having this procedure. In most cases, you will need to avoid driving and exercising for a few days after the surgery. In some cases, you will need to lie down for a set period each hour to allow the eye to heal properly. You will also be given eye drops you need to use that help to prevent inflammation and infection.
On average, most patients experience a full recovery within four to eight weeks, as long as there are no complications.
You will also want to keep an eye out for ongoing pain, swelling, and bleeding. If you are worried at any time after your vitrectomy surgery, it’s advisable to contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible to rule out any complications.
About Us:
Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina, and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit
