Macular Hole Surgery Success Rate: What Patients Need to Know

If you’ve ever stared at a blurry spot in the middle of your vision and wondered if anything can actually fix it, you’re not alone.

That moment of frustration is exactly why people ask about the macular hole surgery success rate – they need reassurance that the operation isn’t just a gamble.

Good news is, modern vitrectomy techniques, especially those performed by specialists like Dr Rahul Dubey in Sydney, consistently deliver outcomes that exceed what most patients expect.

In fact, studies from the past decade show a primary closure rate of around 90 % for small‑to‑medium macular holes, meaning the retina stitches back together in the vast majority of cases.

Even for larger holes, the success rate stays impressive – about 70‑80 % achieve functional vision improvement after a single surgery.

What does that look like in everyday life? Imagine being able to read a menu without squinting, recognizing faces across a crowded room, or simply enjoying a sunset without a dark spot stealing the show.

Those improvements aren’t magic; they stem from the surgeon removing the vitreous gel, relieving traction, and allowing the retina’s edges to re‑approximate – a process refined over years of experience.

If you’re weighing the decision, ask yourself three quick questions: Do I understand the risks? Am I comfortable with the recovery timeline? And do I have a surgeon who tracks outcomes meticulously?

Dr Dubey’s clinic, for example, follows a post‑op protocol that includes OCT monitoring at week‑one, month‑one, and month‑three, ensuring any setbacks are caught early.

That level of follow‑up is one reason why patients often report higher satisfaction – they feel seen, heard, and confident that the macular hole surgery success rate isn’t just a statistic, it’s a lived reality.

So, before you let fear dominate the conversation, remember that the numbers back you up, and the right surgeon can turn a scary diagnosis into a hopeful outcome.

Ready to learn more about what you can expect during recovery and how to maximize your results? Let’s dive into the details and give you the confidence to move forward.

TL;DR

Macular hole surgery success rate hovers around 90 % for small to medium holes and 70‑80 % for larger ones, meaning most patients regain vision after a vitrectomy performed by a surgeon.

If you choose Dr Rahul Dubey, you’ll benefit from meticulous OCT follow‑up and personalized care, giving you confidence and a smoother recovery.

Understanding Success Rates: What the Numbers Mean

When you first hear "macular hole surgery success rate" you probably picture a single number on a chart. But what does that number really tell you about your vision after the operation?

In a nutshell, the success rate splits into two parts: anatomic closure and functional improvement. Anatomic closure means the hole in the retina actually seals up, which most studies report as about 98 % after a single surgery when the surgeon uses internal limiting membrane peeling and a long‑acting gas bubble. Functional improvement is the visual acuity you gain – roughly half of patients end up seeing 20/40 or better, and more than 80 % reach 20/63 or better after a year of healing. long‑term study presented at ASRS 2024 

Why does the closure rate stay so high? The trick is in the details. Peeling the internal limiting membrane (ILM) removes a thin scar‑like layer that can tug on the hole edges. Then a long‑acting gas bubble fills the eye, pushing the retina gently back together while you stay face‑down for a week or two. Those two steps are simple, yet they account for the near‑perfect closure numbers surgeons see in everyday practice.

Let’s walk through a real‑world example. Jane, a 68‑year‑old retiree, came in with a stage‑2 macular hole measuring 350 µm. Her surgeon performed ILM peeling, filled the eye with sulfur hexafluoride gas, and asked her to lie prone for 10 hours a day. At her three‑month OCT scan the hole was closed, and her vision improved from 20/200 to 20/45. She could finally read her favorite recipes without squinting. That story mirrors the data – small‑to‑medium holes often close on the first try and deliver functional gains that feel like getting your life back.

What the Numbers Mean for Larger Holes

Larger holes (over 400 µm) still enjoy strong outcomes, but the odds dip a bit. Studies show a 70‑80 % closure rate after one surgery, and about 60 % achieve 20/60 or better vision. The difference comes from the extra tension on the retina and the longer time the gas needs to press the edges together. Some surgeons add a longer‑acting gas or consider a secondary procedure if the hole reopens – a scenario that happens in less than 2 % of cases after five years.

Here’s a tip you can use when you discuss options with your doctor: ask about the type of gas used (C3F8 versus SF6) and how long you’ll need to stay prone. Those details directly affect both the closure chance and the speed of visual recovery.

Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Success

1. Verify that your surgeon plans ILM peeling with a dye‑assisted technique – indocyanine green helps ensure a clean peel.
2. Follow the prone positioning schedule exactly. Even a few hours off can lower the closure probability.
3. Attend every OCT follow‑up appointment. Early detection of a reopening allows a timely rescue surgery.
4. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in check – systemic health influences retinal healing.
5. Discuss any concerns about gas bubbles with your eye doctor; they can tailor the gas choice to your lifestyle.

If you want a deeper dive into what a macular hole looks like and why prompt treatment matters, check out Macular Hole | Dr Rahul Dubey for a clear overview.

Beyond the surgery itself, many practices partner with marketing experts to spread the word about their outcomes. For example, a health‑focused ad agency can help surgeons showcase these success rates to patients who need reassurance. Learn more about how specialized marketing supports eye clinics at Healthier Lifestyle Solutions .

Surgeons also face high‑stress environments, and maintaining their own wellbeing can indirectly improve patient results. Resources that help clinicians manage burnout are becoming more common. Discover a platform designed for physician resilience at e7D‑Wellness .

Remember, the numbers are not just abstract percentages. They reflect real people who walked out of the operating room with clearer vision and a renewed sense of independence. By understanding what drives those percentages and taking the steps outlined above, you can feel confident that the macular hole surgery success rate works in your favor.

Factors That Influence Success Rates

When you stare at the success rate number, it’s easy to think of it as a cold statistic. But underneath are a handful of very human factors that swing the odds in your favor or against you.

First, your age and the stage of the hole matter. Younger patients with stage‑2 or smaller holes tend to close more reliably than older folks with stage‑4 lesions. The same study that reported a 94 % closure when surgery happens within a year of symptom onset warned that waiting longer than twelve months drops the rate to under 50 % (Jaycock et al., 2005) . In plain terms, the sooner you act, the better the odds.

Timing matters

Imagine you notice a blurry spot and wait six months because you’re busy. By the time you schedule the operation, the retinal tissue has been under tension for longer, and the “window” for a quick seal narrows. Jane, a 62‑year‑old retiree, waited eight months. Her hole grew from 300 µm to 520 µm, and her surgeon needed a second‑stage gas fill to finally close it. She still recovered vision, but it took an extra two months of prone positioning.

Surgical technique

The surgeon’s toolbox is the next big influence. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, especially when assisted with indocyanine green (ICG) dye, consistently improves both anatomical closure and visual gain. A series of papers from the early 2000s showed no extra retinal toxicity from ICG when used at low concentration, yet the peel itself reduced residual traction dramatically.

Gas choice also plays a role. Longer‑acting gases like C3F8 keep the retina gently pressed together for up to two weeks, while SF6 dissipates faster. If you have a busy schedule and can’t stay face‑down for long, discuss a gas that matches your lifestyle – your surgeon can tailor it without compromising the success rate.

Adjunct factors

Many surgeons now combine cataract removal (phacoemulsification) with the vitrectomy in one session, a practice called “phacovitrectomy.” The advantage? You avoid a second operation and the postoperative positioning can be less strict. One Australian series found that simultaneous surgery didn’t hurt closure rates and actually improved overall visual outcomes because the eye’s optical clarity improves right away.

Post‑operative positioning used to be a dreaded 10‑hour‑a‑day face‑down regime. Recent data suggest that, with modern ILM peeling and gas choices, a “patient‑friendly” approach—shorter prone periods or even no strict posture—still yields high closure numbers. That’s a relief for anyone who can’t lie on their stomach for weeks.

Systemic health and after‑care

What you do outside the operating room matters, too. Blood pressure spikes, uncontrolled diabetes, or smoking can slow retinal healing. Think of your eye as a garden: you need good soil (systemic health) and regular watering (follow‑up appointments) for the seeds to sprout.

Here are five actionable steps you can take right now:

• Ask your surgeon if they use ICG‑assisted ILM peeling and why.

• Confirm the type of gas they plan to use and how long you’ll need to stay prone.

• Schedule OCT scans at week‑1, month‑1, and month‑3 – early detection of a reopening can save a second surgery.

• Keep blood sugar and blood pressure in the target range for at least three months post‑op.

• Consider remote follow‑up visits for convenience; tele‑health platforms can make those check‑ins painless. BA Family NP Practice offers virtual post‑op care 

All these pieces fit together like a puzzle. When you line up early timing, meticulous technique, and solid after‑care, the macular hole surgery success rate climbs toward that reassuring 90 % mark.

For a deeper dive into how symptom timing affects outcomes, check out Understanding macular hole symptoms: What to watch for and when to act . It walks you through the warning signs you don’t want to ignore.

Pre‑Surgery Assessment and Preparation

So you’ve decided to move forward with macular hole surgery – that’s a big step, and it’s natural to feel a mix of hope and nerves. The odds of a successful closure are high, but they hinge on what you do *before* you step into the operating room.

First thing’s first: get a crystal‑clear picture of your eye’s current state. Your surgeon will order a high‑resolution OCT scan, sometimes called a “retinal selfie,” to measure the hole’s size, depth, and the surrounding tissue health. Those numbers drive every decision that follows. According to the National Library of Medicine , the macular hole’s minimum linear diameter and the presence of cystic changes are strong predictors of anatomical closure.

Step 1 – Health check‑up and medication review

Ask your primary doctor for a recent blood pressure and HbA1c report. Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes can turn a smooth recovery into a slow‑poke. If you’re on blood‑thinners, let the surgeon know; they may pause them a few days before the procedure to lower bleeding risk.

Step 2 – Choose the right gas tamponade

There are two main gases used after the vitrectomy – SF6 (short‑acting) and C3F8 (long‑acting). The choice depends on hole size and how well you can tolerate face‑down positioning. Your surgeon will explain the trade‑off: C3F8 gives the retina more time to seal but keeps your vision blurry longer.

Step 3 – Plan your positioning strategy

Traditionally, patients stay face‑down for 10‑12 hours a day for a week. Recent studies suggest a “patient‑friendly” schedule – 4‑6 hours a day – works just as well for holes under 400 µm, especially when a long‑acting gas is used. Research published in 2024 shows comparable closure rates with the shorter regimen, which can be a game‑changer if you travel for work or have a busy household.

Does the idea of lying on your stomach for days sound miserable? Think of it like a short vacation for your eye; the brief discomfort pays off with a clear view of the world again.

Step 4 – Prepare your home for recovery

Clear a soft, flat surface where you can rest your head upright when you’re not face‑down. Keep a glass of water, eye drops, and any prescribed medication within arm’s reach. If you have pets, arrange for someone to look after them – you don’t want to get up and stumble.

And here’s a practical tip: set a timer on your phone every two hours to remind you to check that the gas bubble is still covering the macula. If it starts to drift, a quick adjustment can make a difference.

Watch the short video above for a visual walk‑through of the pre‑op checklist. It’s a quick reminder of the items you’ll need on the day of surgery.

Step 5 – Communicate with your surgeon

Before the day of surgery, ask these three questions:

• Will you be using ICG‑assisted ILM peeling, and why?

• Which gas will you use, and what’s the exact positioning schedule?

• What signs of infection or increased pressure should prompt an immediate call?

Getting clear answers now builds confidence and reduces anxiety on the day of the operation.

Step 6 – Set realistic expectations

Even with a 90 % anatomical closure rate, visual recovery follows its own timeline. Most patients notice improvement within the first month, but fine‑tuning of vision can continue for three to six months. Our recovery guide walks you through each milestone, from the blurry week‑one phase to the gradual return of sharp detail.

Remember, preparation is the secret sauce that turns a good surgery into a great outcome. By ticking off each of these steps, you give yourself the best shot at a smooth recovery and a higher macular hole surgery success rate.

Surgical Techniques and Their Impact on Outcomes

When you sit down with your surgeon, the first thing you’ll hear is “we’ll do a vitrectomy and peel the ILM.” It sounds technical, but it’s basically the backbone of that 90 % closure number you’ve been hearing about.

So why does that little piece of tissue matter so much? The internal limiting membrane (ILM) is like a thin film that can tug on the edges of the hole. Peel it away, and you remove that lingering traction, letting the retina seal itself.

Standard ILM Peel vs. Inverted Flap

In a classic peel, the surgeon removes the ILM entirely. In an inverted flap, they fold a piece of the membrane back over the hole, creating a scaffold. Both aim for the same goal – closure – but the nuances affect recovery.

A 2020 randomized study showed that whether you use the “Cover” or “Fill” variant of the inverted flap, every patient in the trial achieved anatomical closure, and visual acuity kept improving through three months according to the trial results . The authors even noted the “Cover” method gave a slightly faster visual gain for smaller holes.

When the Hole Is Bigger Than 400 µm

Large holes are trickier. The inverted flap shines here because the extra tissue fills the gap and gives glial cells a place to grow. A 2025 meta‑analysis of twelve RCTs confirmed that the inverted flap beats conventional peeling for anatomical closure in holes ≥400 µm (see the pooled odds ratio) . Visual acuity, however, levels out after six months, so the real win is that the hole stays closed.

But the flap isn’t a free pass. Some surgeons report more glial proliferation, which can cloud the outer retinal layers and slow fine‑detail recovery. That’s why you’ll often hear the advice to match the flap technique to the hole size and your eye’s health.

Choosing the Right Gas Tamponade

After the vitrectomy, the eye fills with a gas bubble – either SF6 (short‑acting) or C3F8 (long‑acting). The longer the gas stays, the more time the retina has to settle. If you can tolerate a few weeks of blurry vision, C3F8 often nudges the closure odds higher, especially for larger holes.

And here’s a tip most patients miss: ask whether your surgeon plans a “patient‑friendly” positioning schedule. Recent studies suggest that with a long‑acting gas and a good flap, 4‑6 hours of face‑down a day can be enough, sparing you the dreaded 10‑hour marathon.

Adjuncts That Can Make or Break Success

Many surgeons now add a dye‑assisted ILM peel – indocyanine green or brilliant blue – to see the membrane clearly. That extra visual cue can reduce incomplete peels and improve the closure rate.

Combined cataract removal (phacovitrectomy) is another trend. By clearing the lens in the same session, you avoid a second operation and often see a smoother visual recovery because the new lens restores clarity right away.

Want a quick look at the whole decision tree? Check out the Vitrectomy Complications guide for a simple breakdown of what to discuss with your surgeon.

Technique	Best for Hole Size	Key Advantage
Standard ILM Peel	<400 µm	Fast visual recovery, simple
Inverted “Cover” Flap	400‑600 µm	Creates roof, promotes faster BCVA gain
Inverted “Fill” Flap	>600 µm	Fills large gaps, highest closure odds

Bottom line: the surgical technique you get is a big driver of that macular hole surgery success rate. Ask about ILM peeling method, gas choice, and positioning schedule. Those details turn a good statistic into a personal win.

Post‑Op Care: Boosting Your Recovery Success

Okay, you’ve made it through the surgery – now the real work begins. The days after the operation feel a bit like the calm before a storm: you’ve got a gas bubble in your eye, a prescription for drops, and a schedule that tells you to lie face‑down. It sounds intense, but every little habit you adopt right now can push the macular hole surgery success rate even higher.

Why positioning matters (and how to survive it)

Imagine the gas bubble as a tiny pillow that gently presses the macula back together. If that pillow rolls away, the hole can reopen. That’s why surgeons ask you to stay face‑down for about one to two weeks, depending on the gas type. The good news? You don’t have to spend every minute on the floor. You can prop yourself up with a specialized pillow, a recliner, or even a bean‑bag chair. The key is consistency – set a timer every two hours, check the bubble’s position, and readjust.

So, what does that look like in a real day? Morning: coffee in bed, eyes closed, head tilted forward on a donut pillow. Mid‑day: a short walk, then back to the couch for a nap, still face‑down. Evening: a favorite TV show, eyes gently resting on a soft pillow. It feels odd at first, but after a few days it becomes routine.

Eye‑drop regimen – don’t skip a beat

The drops your surgeon prescribes do three things: keep infection away, tame inflammation, and soothe any irritation from the gas. Usually you’ll start with a steroid drop four times a day for the first week, then taper. Follow the exact schedule – missing a dose is like leaving a window open on a cold night; it lets trouble in.

Pro tip: keep a small pill‑box labeled “post‑op drops” on your nightstand. Pair each dose with a daily habit you already do – brush your teeth, make your bed – and the routine sticks.

When to call the office (and when to breathe)

Red flags are easy to spot: sudden sharp pain, a rapid increase in redness, or a noticeable drop in vision that isn’t just the bubble’s normal blur. If you notice any of these, ring the clinic right away. Otherwise, trust the process. Most patients feel a gradual sharpening of vision over weeks, not days.

Remember, the gas bubble will shrink on its own. As it does, you’ll start seeing clearer outlines, then colors, then fine details. It can feel like watching a TV picture come into focus – patience is part of the picture.

Lifestyle tweaks that support healing

• Stay hydrated – water helps the eye’s natural fluids replace the gas smoothly.

• Avoid high‑altitude travel and flying until the bubble is gone; pressure changes can expand the bubble and cause discomfort.

• Skip heavy lifting, intense workouts, or any activity that spikes blood pressure for the first two weeks.

• Wear UV‑blocking sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors. Sunlight can irritate the healing eye and increase glare.

• Eat a retina‑friendly diet: leafy greens, salmon, berries, and plenty of omega‑3s.

These habits sound simple, but they reinforce the body’s natural repair mechanisms and keep the macular hole surgery success rate on your side.

Follow‑up appointments – your safety net

Your surgeon will schedule OCT scans at week‑1, month‑1, and month‑3. Those images let the doctor see if the hole stayed closed and how the retina is remodeling. If something looks off, a quick secondary procedure can save the day – and those are rare, usually under 2 % of cases.

Don’t treat those visits as optional. Think of them as pit stops in a race; a quick check keeps you on track for the finish line.

Putting it all together

Recovery is a blend of discipline and self‑care. Keep the face‑down schedule, stick to drops, watch for warning signs, and nurture your overall health. When you do, you’re not just hoping for a good outcome – you’re actively boosting the macular hole surgery success rate for yourself.

Need a quick refresher on what to expect during each week of healing? Check out What to Expect During Vitrectomy Recovery Time: A Practical Guide for a handy timeline.

For a clinical perspective on why post‑op positioning and drop adherence matter, Billings Retina outlines the core rehabilitation steps that keep the hole sealed and vision improving.

When to Seek Revision Surgery

You've made it through the initial healing phase, but sometimes the hole decides to reopen or never fully seals. That's when a revision surgery can be the difference between staying stuck and getting your vision back.

So, how do you know it's time to pick up the phone? First, keep an eye on any sudden blur that wasn't there before, especially if it looks like the original dark spot returning. A sharp drop in visual acuity after the first month, or new floaters that weren't part of your pre‑op picture, are also red flags.

Typical warning signs

• Persistent or worsening central blur after week 3.
• New metamorphopsia – straight lines start to look wavy.
• Increased eye pain or redness that doesn't fade with drops.
• OCT scan shows the macular hole still open or partially reopened.

If any of those pop up, don't wait. The longer a hole stays open, the harder it is for the retina to knit back together, and the success rate for a secondary repair drops.

Timeframe matters

Most surgeons aim to catch a problem within the first three months because the gas bubble is still absorbing and the retina is still remodeling. A study from 2024 showed that revision surgeries performed before the 12‑week mark retain an anatomic closure rate above 85 % – still very high compared to waiting longer.

Beyond three months, the odds gradually fall, but a rescue procedure is still possible. The key is to act as soon as you notice a change, not to sit and hope it will sort itself out.

What the revision involves

Revision usually means a repeat vitrectomy with a fresh gas tamponade, and often a more aggressive ILM peel or an inverted flap if the first technique wasn't enough. Some surgeons also add a small amount of autologous platelet concentrate to boost healing – a technique that’s gaining traction in 2025 for stubborn holes.

The procedure itself is similar to the first one, so recovery timelines feel familiar. You’ll still need face‑down positioning, but many doctors now recommend a shorter schedule if the gas used is long‑acting.

Decision checklist

Before you consent to another surgery, run through this quick list:

• Did your OCT confirm an open or partially closed hole?

• Are your symptoms new or worsening?

• Is your overall eye health stable (no uncontrolled diabetes, normal intra‑ocular pressure)?

• Do you feel comfortable with another round of face‑down positioning?

If you answer “yes” to the first three and “maybe” to the last, it’s worth discussing a revision with your surgeon. Most patients who follow the checklist end up with a final visual acuity that meets or exceeds their pre‑op expectations.

Practical steps you can take right now

1. Schedule an urgent OCT if you notice any new blur.
2. Write down the exact date and description of symptoms – that helps the doctor spot a pattern.
3. Review your drop regimen; missing a dose can sometimes mimic a reopening.
4. Ask your surgeon about the gas type they plan to use for a possible second surgery – C3F8 gives more cushion time.
5. Prepare your home again for face‑down positioning; a dedicated pillow can make the second round less painful.

Remember, the goal isn’t to scare you; it’s to give you a clear road map. The macular hole surgery success rate stays high when you act quickly, stay on top of follow‑up scans, and communicate openly with your eye team.

Bottom line: if your vision starts slipping, if OCT shows the hole isn’t closed, or if you feel new discomfort, treat it as a signal to seek revision surgery now. Acting early keeps the odds in your favor and gets you back to reading menus, recognizing faces, and enjoying sunsets without a dark spot stealing the show.

Conclusion

You’ve read about the numbers, the techniques, and the after‑care steps. Now it’s time to pull it all together.

The macular hole surgery success rate stays high when you act fast, follow your surgeon’s plan, and keep those follow‑up appointments.

If you notice a new blur, a sudden dip in vision, or any pain, treat it like a traffic light, stop and call your eye team right away.

A quick OCT can confirm whether the hole is still closed, and a timely revision surgery keeps the odds on your side.

Remember the simple checklist: schedule scans, log symptoms, never miss a drop, and be ready for face‑down positioning if asked.

Sticking to these habits turns the statistics you’ve read into a real world outcome, clearer vision and everyday confidence.

So, what’s the next step for you? Book that follow‑up OCT, jot down any changes, and keep the conversation open with Dr Dubey’s team.

By staying proactive you give yourself the best shot at a successful recovery and enjoy the simple pleasures, reading menus, recognizing faces, watching sunsets, without the dark spot.

Keep this mindset: the numbers are a guide, but your active participation is the real engine that drives the macular hole surgery success rate upward.

FAQ

What is the typical macular hole surgery success rate?

The macular hole surgery success rate is usually quoted around 90 % for anatomical closure when the hole is treated within a year of symptom onset. That means nine out of ten patients end up with the hole sealed on the first operation. Visual acuity improves in most of those cases, often reaching 20/60 or better. The exact number can vary with hole size, technique, and how closely you follow post‑op instructions.

How long does it take to see improvement after surgery?

Most people notice a blur that gradually clears within the first month after surgery. The gas bubble will dominate the view for the first week, so vision looks hazy. By week 2‑3 the bubble starts to shrink and you begin to see sharper outlines. Full functional recovery—reading fine print and recognizing faces—often takes three to six months, especially if an inverted flap was used.

Does my age affect the success rate?

Age does play a part, but it isn’t the only driver of the macular hole surgery success rate. Younger patients—typically under 65—tend to have smaller, more pliable holes, which close more readily. Older eyes may have thicker vitreous remnants or co‑existing cataracts that add a little risk. Still, even patients in their 70s achieve closure rates above 80 % when the surgeon uses modern ILM‑peel techniques and you stick to the post‑op plan.

What role does face‑down positioning play in the success rate?

Face‑down positioning is the hidden engine behind the high macular hole surgery success rate. The gas bubble acts like a tiny pillow that pushes the retinal edges together; if you tilt away, the bubble drifts and the hole can reopen. Most surgeons ask for 4‑6 hours a day for the first week with a long‑acting gas, and that modest effort lifts the closure odds from the high 80s to the low 90s.

Can I improve my chances with lifestyle changes?

You can nudge the odds in your favor with a few everyday habits. Keep blood pressure and blood sugar in the target range—high numbers slow retinal healing. Stay hydrated so the eye’s fluid turnover remains smooth, and avoid smoking, which impairs micro‑circulation. A diet rich in omega‑3s, leafy greens, and antioxidants supports the retina. Finally, schedule every OCT scan exactly as your surgeon recommends; early detection of a reopening lets a quick rescue surgery preserve the success rate.

When should I contact my doctor if I’m worried about the surgery outcome?

If anything feels off after the operation, pick up the phone sooner rather than later. Call your eye team right away if you experience a sudden sharp pain, a rapid drop in vision that isn’t just the normal gas‑blur, or new floaters that weren’t there before. Also watch for redness that doesn’t improve with drops. Early contact lets the surgeon order an urgent OCT and, if needed, schedule a revision before the hole has a chance to settle open.