VR Surgery

About Vitrectomy Surgery

Vitrectomy is a delicate eye surgery used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the retina and vitreous. The procedure involves removing the vitreous gel — the clear jelly inside the eye — to give the surgeon better access to the retina. Once the gel is removed, problems such as scar tissue, bleeding, or retinal tears can be treated directly.

Vitrectomy is often recommended when vision is significantly impaired or at risk of permanent damage.

Symptoms

  1. Floaters and Flashes

Sudden increase in floaters (small spots or cobweb-like shapes drifting in your vision)

Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision

  1. Blurred or Distorted Vision

Gradual or sudden loss of visual clarity

Distortion or waviness in vision

  1. Persistent Cloudiness or Haze

Feeling like there is a cloudy film or haze obstructing your vision

  1. Retinal Problems

Diagnosed retinal detachment, tears, or holes that need surgical repair

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye)

  1. Vitreous Haemorrhage

Bleeding into the vitreous cavity causing significant vision loss 

  1. Macular Hole or Epiretinal Membrane

Central vision loss or distortion due to these conditions often requires vitrectomy

  1. Infection or Inflammation

Endophthalmitis (severe infection inside the eye) may require vitrectomy to clear infection 

  1. Non-resolving Vitreous Opacities

Persistent debris or scar tissue in the vitreous affecting vision 

When to See an Eye Specialist

If you notice any sudden increase in floaters, flashes, loss of vision, or visual distortion, seek immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the need for vitrectomy surgery involves a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist using a combination of clinical examination, imaging and sometimes additional tests.

Treatment

Vitrectomy is a highly specialised procedure, but with expert care and modern techniques, many patients experience significant improvement in vision and quality of life. Ongoing monitoring and follow-up appointments are an important part of recovery, ensuring the best long-term results.

Costs

A consultation including comprehensive assessment is at a cost of £350.  The cost of any surgical treatment required will be discussed at the consultation appointment.

The Process

  1. Detailed Patient History

The Consultant will ask about your symptoms (floaters, flashes, vision loss, pain)

Duration and progression of symptoms

Previous eye conditions or surgeries

Any history of trauma, diabetes, or inflammation

 Comprehensive Eye Examination

Visual acuity test: To check how well you see

Slit-lamp examination: To assess the front and back parts of the eye, including the vitreous and retina

Dilated fundus examination: Using eye drops to enlarge the pupil for a detailed look at the retina and vitreous

  1. Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

Ocular ultrasound (B-scan): Especially useful if the view to the retina is blocked by blood or cataract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina to detect issues like macular holes or membranes

Fundus photography: To document retinal conditions

  1. Identifying Indications for Vitrectomy

The ophthalmologist looks for conditions that require surgery such as:

  • Retinal detachment or tears
  • Vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding into the eye)
  • Macular holes or epiretinal membranes
  • Endophthalmitis (severe eye infection)
  • Persistent vitreous opacities impairing vision
  • Proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional membranes
  1. Assessing Severity and Surgical Need

The decision is based on whether less invasive treatments are ineffective or not possible

The potential benefit of surgery in improving or stabilizing vision

FAQs

Risks include infection, bleeding, cataract formation, retinal detachment, and increased eye pressure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you beforehand.

Yes, sometimes vitrectomy is combined with cataract surgery if both conditions are present.

In many cases, vitrectomy can significantly improve or stabilize vision, but results depend on the underlying condition and severity.

It is usually done under local or general anaesthesia. Tiny instruments are inserted into the eye through small incisions to remove the vitreous gel and treat the underlying problem.

Typically, the procedure lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Most patients experience little to no pain during surgery due to anaesthesia. Some discomfort or mild pain can occur during the recovery period.

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure where the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed and often replaced with a clear solution to treat various eye conditions.

Recovery varies but often takes several weeks. Vision may gradually improve over months, depending on the condition treated.

Common reasons include retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding), macular holes, epiretinal membranes, severe eye infections, or complications from diabetic eye disease.

Sometimes, especially after certain procedures like macular hole repair, patients are advised to maintain a specific head position to help healing.

Yes, you will typically use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Most vitrectomies are performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, so you are awake but comfortable. General anaesthesia is used in some cases.

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