Retinal surgery.
Surgery for conditions affecting the retina, macula and vitreous. The aim, expected recovery and timing depend on the diagnosis and the health of your eye.
Retinal tears & retinal detachment＋
Laser or cryotherapy (freezing treatment) can seal selected retinal tears. A retinal detachment may need vitrectomy, a scleral buckle (a support band placed around the eye) or a combination of procedures; a gas-based procedure is suitable in some cases. The examination determines the approach and urgency.
Repair aims to reattach the retina and preserve sight. An anatomical repair does not always restore normal vision, particularly if the macula has been detached. Further surgery may be necessary.
Epiretinal membrane＋
An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a thin sheet of tissue on the retinal surface. It can wrinkle the macula and cause distorted or blurred central vision. Mild symptoms can be monitored. Vitrectomy and membrane peeling may be considered when the effect on daily activities justifies the risks.
Improvement is usually gradual over months. Some distortion can persist, and the final result depends on the underlying retinal changes.
Macular hole & vitreomacular traction＋
Vitreomacular traction (VMT) means the vitreous gel is pulling on the macula. This can distort the macula or create a full-thickness macular hole, a small opening in the central retina. Observation is appropriate in some traction cases. A hole may require vitrectomy, peeling of the internal limiting membrane (a very thin layer on the retinal surface) and a gas bubble.
Hole size, duration and retinal health influence the chance of closure and the visual result. Positioning instructions are individual; not every patient needs the same face-down positioning schedule.
Diabetic complications & vitreous haemorrhage＋
Bleeding into the vitreous can obscure vision. Persistent bleeding or pulling from diabetic scar tissue may require vitrectomy, sometimes with removal of scar tissue and retinal laser. Treatment is planned alongside control of the underlying diabetic eye disease.
Persistent, disabling floaters＋
Most floaters do not require surgery. For selected people with persistent symptoms affecting daily life, vitrectomy can be discussed after a careful retinal examination. The potential benefit must be weighed against cataract progression, retinal detachment, infection and other risks.
Pars plana vitrectomy
Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) removes vitreous gel, the clear jelly inside the eye, using small instruments through the white of the eye. This allows the surgeon to treat retinal problems or remove troublesome vitreous opacities. It does not replace the retina. Depending on the condition, surgery can include membrane peeling, laser, cryotherapy or drainage of fluid.
The eye may be left with a sterile salt solution, air, gas or silicone oil. Removed gel does not regrow; natural eye fluid occupies the space as air or gas is absorbed. Silicone oil does not absorb and may need a later operation to remove it.
Cataract surgery can sometimes be combined with PPV. Anaesthesia and whether you go home the same day depend on the operation and your circumstances.
Benefits, limitations & risks
The goal may be to preserve sight, repair a detachment, close a macular hole or reduce distortion. Recovery of normal vision cannot be promised. The condition being treated, its duration and other eye disease affect the outcome.
Risks include infection, bleeding, pressure changes, cataract progression in an eye with its natural lens, retinal tears or detachment, further surgery and permanent loss of vision. Your surgeon will explain your individual risks.
Recovery & an intraocular gas bubble
Expect blurred vision initially. With gas, vision can remain very limited until the bubble shrinks; retinal recovery may continue for months. Drops, work, driving, lifting and positioning advice depend on the operation.
Important if gas is used
Do not fly or travel to high altitude while gas remains in the eye. Do not have nitrous oxide (a gas used for pain relief or anaesthesia), including Entonox, while the bubble is present. Tell any doctor, dentist or anaesthetist about your eye gas. Your surgeon will advise when these restrictions end.
Do not change positioning on your own. Silicone oil has different travel considerations, so ask your surgeon rather than applying gas instructions to every operation.
Recovery information →Questions before surgery
- What is the aim of surgery in my eye, and what is likely without it?
- Will I need gas, oil or a combined cataract operation?
- What positioning, travel and work restrictions should I plan for?
- How much improvement is realistic, and over what period?
Considering surgery for floaters?
Persistent floaters need an individual assessment. Read our separate guide to the decision, alternatives and recovery.
Vitrectomy for floaters ↗