MENU
Vitreous and Retina Surgery
PATIENT EDUCATION
Vitreous and retina surgery includes procedures done at the back of the eye. This type of surgery is often needed when the clear gel inside your eye (the vitreous) or the light-sensitive lining (the retina) is damaged or moved. Our specialists use the latest technology to protect your vision and help you see as clearly as possible.
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Retinal Detachment: When the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
- Macular Hole: A small break in the center of the retina.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: Damage to blood vessels caused by diabetes.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage: Blood leaking into the eye's gel.
Risks and Benefits
The main benefit of surgery is the chance to save or improve your vision. Without surgical care, some conditions can lead to permanent sight loss. Risks include, but are not limited to: infection, worsening cataract, detached or re-detached retina, elevated eye pressure, permanent loss of vision, bleeding, any combination of these, and rarely loss of an eye. One or more surgeries may be required. Your specialist will discuss how these apply to you specifically. (Please note: the above is not an all-inclusive list of risks, benefits, and alternatives, please discuss your specific circumstances with your specialist physician).
The Surgical Journey
Recovery Expectations
1. Before Surgery
You will have a detailed eye exam and likely some special photos of your eye. Your doctor will talk with you about the plan and answer any final questions.
2. During Surgery
Most patients are kept comfortable with local numbing. The surgeon uses tiny tools to remove the gel or repair the retina.
3. After Surgery
You will wear a patch or shield for a short time. You will need a driver to take you home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to check your progress.
Healing takes time. You may use eye drops for several weeks to prevent infection and control swelling. Vision may be blurry at first, especially if gas or oil was used during surgery. You may have to position your head in certain ways as instructed.
General Safety Tips
- Do not rub or press on your eye.
- Avoid heavy lifting or bending as specified by your doctor.
- Follow any head positioning instructions exactly.
- Keep all follow-up appointments.
Common Questions
Will the surgery hurt?
​
​
​
Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure because the eye is numbed with medicine. After surgery, you might feel a scratchy sensation or mild discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter relievers suggested by your specialist.
​
​
You cannot drive immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when your vision is safe enough to drive again, usually after a post-op visit. Please bring a driver.Â
​
When can I drive again?
​
​
​
Can I travel by airplane?
​
​
If a gas bubble is used in your eye, you  MUST NOT fly until the bubble is gone. Changes in air pressure can cause dangerous pressure issues inside your eye.
​
Will my vision return to 20/20?
​
Vision recovery varies for everyone. It may require more than one surgery and even when surgery is successful at repairing the eye, your final outcome depends on how much damage was present before.
You cannot drive immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you when your vision is safe enough to drive again, usually after a post-op visit.
Can I travel by airplane?
If a gas bubble is used in your eye, you MUST NOT fly until the bubble is gone. Changes in air pressure can cause dangerous pressure issues inside your eye.
Will my vision return to 20/20?
Vision recovery varies for everyone. It may requie more than one surgery and even when surgery is successful at repairing the eye, your final outcome depends on how much damage was present before.
Note: This information is for general education. All final surgical recommendations come from your own retina specialist. Every case is unique.
Your vision is our priority.
If you have questions about an upcoming surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our team.
What is Vitreous and Retina Surgery?
Vitreous and retina surgery involves delicate procedures performed on the back part of the eye. The retina is like the film in a camera that captures images, and the vitreous is the clear gel that fills the middle of your eye. When these parts are damaged or become cloudy, surgery may be needed to clear your vision and protect the health of your eye.
The main goal of these surgeries is to fix structural problems or remove blockages that prevent light from reaching your retina clearly. Whether it is removing internal scar tissue or reattaching the retina itself, our specialists focus on restoring the most stable environment for your sight to function at its best.
Conditions Treated
We specialize in medical and surgical treatments for complex eye conditions that affect the vitreous jelly and the retina. Our team provides expert care to help stabilize and protect your vision.
Retinal Detachment
A serious situation where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Prompt surgery can often help reattach it and prevent permanent vision loss.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Surgery may be used to remove blood or scar tissue that interferes with your sight. Many present day treatments are used, in an attempt to prevent vision loss. Maintaining excellent sugar control can help your doctor to preserve the best possible eyesight for you.
Macular Hole
A small break in the center of the retina that makes reading or seeing fine details difficult. Surgery may help close the hole and stabilize or improve central vision.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
When blood leaks into the clear gel that fills your eye, blocking vision. A surgical procedure called a vitrectomy can clear the path for light to reach the retina again, if the blood fails to clear on its own.
Your Path to Recovery and Caring for Your Eye
Healing after retina surgery takes time and patience. Most people notice their vision slowly getting clearer over several weeks. To help your eye heal the right way, it is important to rest and follow a few simple steps during your recovery.
Key Safety Tips for Healing
- Keep your head in the position your doctor suggests.
- Use your medicated eye drops exactly as your specialist told you.
- Wear your eye shield at night to prevent rubbing while you sleep.
- Avoid any heavy lifting or bending over until you are cleared.
Please remember that these are general tips. Your retina specialist at The Retina Center will provide the exact post-operative instructions tailored specifically to your eye surgery.
Other Common Questions
How long does the procedure take?
The surgery typically lasts between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the condition being treated. While the surgery itself is relatively quick, you should plan to spend several hours at the surgical center for preparation and recovery monitoring.
When will my vision improve?
Vision improvement varies for everyone. Some notice a difference within a few days, while for others, the eye may take several weeks or even many months to fully heal and reach its best vision. Your specialist will monitor your progress closely.
Yes. Because you may receive medicine to help you relax, your eye will be patched or blurry, and the surgical centers require it, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. It is also helpful to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
