Vitrectomy Surgery: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Vitrectomy is the workhorse operation of retinal surgery. It is used for retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous hemorrhage, complications of diabetes, and dislocated lens material.

What the Surgery Does

Through three tiny ports, the surgeon removes the vitreous gel filling the eye, gaining access to the retina. Depending on the problem, she may then peel membranes, drain fluid beneath the retina, apply laser, remove blood, and fill the eye with a gas bubble, air, or silicone oil to support the retina while it heals. Instruments are typically 25- or 27-gauge — thinner than a fine needle — and incisions usually seal themselves without stitches.

Before Surgery

• You will have imaging and a full examination to plan the procedure
• Tell us about blood thinners, prostate medications, and any drug allergies; most blood thinners can be continued
• Follow fasting instructions from the surgical center
• Arrange a driver and, if positioning is required, set up equipment at home in advance

Day of Surgery

Most vitrectomies are performed under local anesthesia with sedation — you are comfortable and drowsy but not under general anesthesia. The eye is completely numb; you may see lights and colors but will not see the instruments. Typical operating time is 30 to 90 minutes, with a few hours total at the center.

The Gas Bubble

If gas is placed, your vision will be very blurry — often just light and shadow — while it is present. The bubble absorbs on its own over two to eight weeks depending on the gas used, and you will watch a wobbling line descend across your vision as it shrinks. Two rules are absolute:

• No air travel and no high-altitude driving until the bubble is gone
• Tell any anesthesiologist about the bubble before any other procedure

Positioning

Some operations require face-down or side-lying positioning for several days. It is the hardest part of recovery for most patients, and rental chairs, mirrors, and supports make it manageable. Set breaks into your day, keep audiobooks handy, and follow the schedule you were given — it directly affects the outcome.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 1–7: Drops several times daily, mild ache or scratchiness, red eye, activity limited to light tasks
• Weeks 2–4: Comfort improves markedly; vision still blurred if gas remains
• Weeks 4–12: Gas absorbs, vision improves steadily
• Months 3–12: Continued gradual improvement, particularly after macular surgery

Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and swimming until cleared.

Call Us Immediately If

• Pain increases rather than decreases
• Vision suddenly worsens
• Redness or discharge increases
• You see a new curtain or shower of floaters

Longer Term

Cataract formation after vitrectomy is common and is handled with routine cataract surgery once the eye has settled.

Questions about an upcoming procedure? Call (954) 633-8202 — we would rather answer them twice than have you worry.