# Vitrectomy Surgery

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/vitrectomy-surgery

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-13

> **Summary:** Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel filling the back of the eye, done to clear bleeding, peel membranes (for example from diabetes) and reattach a detached retina. It aims to protect and improve sight in serious retinal conditions, which can otherwise cause permanent vision loss.

## Quick Facts
- **Operation Duration:** 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the case
- **Recovery Time:** Back to daily life in a few days, full recovery in 2-4 weeks; longer if gas or silicone oil was placed (vision may take a few months to settle with gas)
- **Anaesthesia Type:** Local anaesthesia; general anaesthesia for children and rare cases
- **Hospital Stay:** Home the same day, check-up the next day

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## What Is Vitrectomy?
An operation on the back of the eye in which the vitreous gel is removed. It clears blood from the eye, peels membranes formed on the retina, and in retinal detachment reattaches the retina while torn areas are treated with laser.

## When Is It Performed?
- Severe eye infections.
- Eye trauma and removal of foreign bodies.
- Thin membranes on the retina.
- Macular hole.
- Diabetes-related vision problems.
- Retinal detachment.
- Bleeding inside the eye.
- Some cases of age-related macular degeneration.

The process differs for each eye, and some patients need more than one operation. People whose general health makes surgery too risky may not be suitable.

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## The Treatment Journey

### 1. Before Treatment
- Checks such as ECG and blood pressure.
- Blood thinners: do not stop on your own; the doctor decides when to pause them.
- Diabetes and blood pressure medicines are taken without interruption.
- Dilating drops are given several times before surgery.

### 2. During Treatment
- The eye is anaesthetised so nothing is felt.
- Three small openings are made in the sclera (white of the eye); a cutting probe or laser is used through them.
- Membranes on the retina are peeled or cleaned according to the disease.
- In cataract patients, cataract surgery can be done in the same session.
- The vitreous may be replaced with a tamponade: silicone oil, air or gas.

### 3. After Treatment
- The eye is bandaged; you go home the same day and are examined the next day, when drops start.
- **Silicone oil:** Usually removed in a second operation after a few months; the surgeon decides the timing.
- **SF6 gas:** Vision may drop on the first day, then improves slowly as the gas is absorbed; it can take a few months. Do not fly or go to high altitudes until the gas has cleared, and keep the head position your surgeon advises.
- Use drops regularly, do not rub the eyes, avoid heavy physical activity.
- Sudden flashes, a marked increase in floaters or a curtain-like shadow may signal a retinal tear: see an eye doctor without delay.

## Risks and Possible Side Effects
Success is high with modern techniques; risks are unlikely and mostly treatable.
- **Cataract developing or progressing:** Common, especially in older patients; treated with cataract surgery.
- **Temporary rise in eye pressure:** Controlled with drops.
- **New retinal tear or detachment:** Uncommon; treatable if caught at check-ups.
- **Infection:** Very rare.

## Price
The price depends on the underlying cause, the examinations and measurements needed and the operation; the plan is set individually.

## About the Hospital
Over 24 years in eye care, three eye hospitals and a general hospital, specialist surgeons for each treatment, and lifetime aftercare.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Is there pain during surgery?**
A: No, local or general anaesthesia is used; there may be slight discomfort afterwards.

**Q: How long is recovery?**
A: Usually 2-4 weeks for full recovery, longer with gas or silicone oil; daily activities usually resume within a few days.

**Q: When does vision become clear?**
A: Several weeks to several months, depending on general health and the extent of surgery.

**Q: Why is gas or liquid put in the eye?**
A: Gas or silicone-based fluid replaces the vitreous; gas helps hold the retina in place and is absorbed over time.

**Q: Will I need another vitrectomy?**
A: In some cases a second operation is necessary.

**Q: Is vitrectomy permanent?**
A: It usually gives a permanent cure, but a progressing underlying disease may need more treatment.

**Q: Is the lens removed during vitrectomy?**
A: In some cases, especially with cataract, cataract surgery is done at the same time.

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## References
- Pars Plana Vitrectomy, EyeWiki (AAO)
- Retinal detachment diagnosis and treatment, Moorfields
- Macular hole: diagnosis and treatment, Moorfields