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Conditions & treatmentsVitrectomy Surgery
Vitreoretinal surgery

Vitrectomy Surgery

Small-incision surgery for selected conditions affecting the vitreous, retina and macula.

Specialist eye examination and clinical care
Specialist care · Advanced technology

Vitrectomy surgery

Understanding the condition

Clear information for confident decisions.

Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel to provide access to the retina. It may be recommended for retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and other selected conditions.

01ProcedureSmall-incision vitreoretinal surgery
02AnaesthesiaSelected for the patient and procedure
03TamponadeFluid, gas or silicone oil when required
04Follow-upPersonalised postoperative reviews
Symptoms

What you may notice.

Symptoms vary between people, and some conditions cause no early warning. A specialist examination is needed for an accurate diagnosis.

01

Vitrectomy is recommended for a diagnosed condition rather than one symptom alone

02

Persistent blurred or distorted vision from vitreoretinal disease

03

Vision loss from non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage

04

Symptoms associated with a retinal detachment or macular disorder

Causes and risk factors

What may increase your risk.

Having a risk factor does not confirm the condition. Your history and examination are considered together.

01The underlying retinal condition
02Previous eye surgery
03Lens status and cataract
04General health and anaesthetic considerations
Assessment

How it is diagnosed.

01

Detailed retinal assessment

Examination and imaging establish whether surgery is likely to offer a meaningful anatomical or visual benefit.

02

OCT and retinal imaging

High-resolution imaging helps define macular membranes, holes, swelling and other retinal features.

03

Preoperative planning

The procedure, anaesthesia, possible gas or oil, positioning and realistic outcomes are discussed before consent.

04

Personalised care planning

Findings are explained in context so the recommended next step reflects your eyes, health and visual needs.

Treatment options

A plan shaped around your eyes.

01

Small-incision vitrectomy

Fine instruments remove vitreous gel and allow the surgeon to address the retinal problem.

02

Membrane peeling

Delicate retinal or internal limiting membranes may be peeled for selected macular conditions.

03

Laser and retinal repair

Retinal tears or detached areas may be treated with internal laser and retinal reattachment techniques.

04

Gas or silicone oil

A temporary internal support may be placed when needed. Specific positioning and travel restrictions can apply.

Aftercare

Recovery and follow-up.

01

Use prescribed drops and eye protection exactly as directed.

02

Follow any face-positioning instructions carefully if a gas bubble or oil is used.

03

Do not fly or travel to high altitude while an intraocular gas bubble remains; confirm restrictions with your surgeon.

04

Attend all scheduled reviews and report increasing pain, redness or worsening vision promptly.

Common questions

Answers with clarity.

These answers are general. Your own care plan may differ after examination.

01Why might vitrectomy be recommended?+

It is used for selected problems such as retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous haemorrhage and other vitreoretinal conditions.

02Will a gas bubble be used?+

Not in every operation. The need for gas, air or silicone oil depends on the condition and surgical plan.

03How quickly will vision recover?+

Recovery varies with the condition, procedure and starting health of the retina. Your surgeon will explain a realistic expected range.

04Will my care plan be individual?+

Yes. The recommendations, timing and follow-up are based on your examination, imaging, general health and visual priorities.