Vitreo-Retinal Surgery

A group of conditions treated with a vitrectomy (an operation to remove the vitreous)

What conditions does this include?

  • Macula Hole

  • Epiretinal Membrane

  • Retinal Detachment

  • Intraocular Lens Exchange

During your consultation you will have a full examination of your eyes. We will use dilating drops which will blur your vision for 3 hours or so, and we will take a detailed retinal scan (OCT scan).

We will then discuss with you whether we feel retinal surgery would be of benefit for you.

What does a vitrectomy involve?

The operation is a day procedure, and you normally are in hospital for no more than 2-3 hours in total. The vast majority of retinal surgeries are carried out with the patient awake under local anaesthetic (injection around the eye), which ensures the operation isn’t painful. If you feel you wouldn’t be able to tolerate that, there is an option of having a general anaesthetic.

The operation itself is similar to keyhole surgery where we remove your vitreous and perform any additional procedures necessary.

Are there any risks to the surgery?

Retinal surgery has a high success rate but any operation inside the eye has a degree of risk. These include:

  • Visual loss due to an infection or severe bleed (1 in 1000 cases)

  • Risk of retinal detachment

  • Transient complications such as elevated pressure or inflammation inside the eye which is normally treated with extra drops

  • Persistent distortion following the surgery

Any complications specific to you will be discussed at your consultation.

What to expect after surgery?

It is common that an air or gas bubble is left in the eye at the end of the operation. We may also ask you do some ‘posturing’ or ‘positioning for the first few days after the surgery (for example sitting forward with your face down, lying on one side or sitting upright). This is specific to each patient and discussed with you on the day of surgery.

The gas bubble is slowly absorbed and stays in the eye normally for 4-6 weeks. It is important you don’t fly during this time and it is not advisable to drive. You shouldn’t get tap water in the eye for 2 weeks