Vitrectomy: Restoring Vision Through Specialized Eye Surgery
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy, also called pars plana vitrectomy, is eye surgery that removes the gel-like vitreous from the center of the eyeball so the surgeon can repair the retina and treat retinal detachment, diabetes-related retinopathy and eye injuries. [1] The vitreous may be replaced with salt water, gas or silicone oil. [1] Recovery usually takes a few weeks [1]; report severe pain or vision loss.
What the research says
Vitrectomy is one of several ways to repair a detached retina. In a post hoc analysis of the PIVOT randomized trial, 160 patients with retinal detachment were compared after pneumatic retinopexy or pars plana vitrectomy. At 6 months, the pneumatic retinopexy group reported better peripheral vision scores (91.6 versus 81.2; adjusted difference 10.8, 95% CI 4.3 to 17.4), but there were no differences between groups at 1 year (Muni et al., JAMA Ophthalmol, 2020 [2]).
Adding vitrectomy may raise cataract risk. A meta-analysis of 18 studies and 7,212 eyes (3,912 with scleral buckling alone and 3,300 with scleral buckling plus vitrectomy) found similar final vision in both groups. Scleral buckling alone carried a lower risk of cataract formation (relative risk 0.34, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.96) and a slightly higher final reattachment rate (97.40% versus 93.86%) (Nichani et al., Ophthalmologica, 2022 [3]).
The Purpose and Function of Vitrectomy
The eye contains a clear, gel-like substance called the vitreous humor that fills the center of the eyeball [1] and helps it keep its shape. Certain conditions can cloud the gel with blood or debris, or make it pull on the retina, which can lead to serious vision problems. A vitrectomy removes the problem vitreous so the surgeon has a clear path to repair damage inside the eye. [1] It can also be used to put medicine into the eye. [1]
Conditions Treated With Vitrectomy
Without treatment, many of these conditions could cause permanent damage or loss of vision. [1]
Category | Examples |
|---|---|
Retinal disorders | Retinal detachment, macular hole, macular pucker, and posterior vitreous detachment. [1] |
Complications | Diabetes-related retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity. [1] |
Injuries and infections | Eye injuries, endophthalmitis (an infection inside the eye), and tumors. [1] |
Lens problems | Some lens issues, such as a dislocated lens. [1] |
What Happens During the Procedure
Before surgery you will need to fast, tell your team about all medicines and supplements, and arrange a ride to and from the hospital. [1] Vitrectomy is done as an outpatient procedure and usually takes around 90 minutes, longer for complicated repairs. [1] Your eye is numbed, and you may also be given general anesthesia. [1]
Step | What the surgeon does |
|---|---|
Access | Dilates the eye, holds it open with a speculum, and makes a small cut to enter the eyeball. [1] |
Removal | Uses very small tools to remove the vitreous. [1] |
Repair | Repairs the retina or other tissue, and may use a laser to seal leaking or abnormal blood vessels. [1] |
Replacement | Fills the eye with sterile salt water, a gas bubble, or silicone oil if needed. [1] |
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Most people go home the same day. [1] You will wear a patch after surgery and return the next day for a follow-up exam, when the patch is removed. [1] Vision may be blurry, or worse than usual, for a few days and then gets better over time. [1] Expect some puffiness, irritation, redness, and bruising, and use your medicated eye drops as directed. [1]
If you have a gas bubble or silicone oil, you may need to hold specific head positions, such as sitting upright during the day and sleeping on your stomach at night [1], so that the material stays where it can support the retina. A neck pillow can help. [1] Do not drive until your eye doctor says it is safe, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. [1] Your body absorbs saline or gas bubbles over time, while silicone oil may need another operation to remove it. [1]
Benefits and Risks
The biggest benefit of vitrectomy is managing serious conditions that can cause permanent damage or vision loss if left untreated. [1] It is safe, but like any surgery it carries a small risk of complications: [1]
Cataracts
Infection
Bleeding
Damage inside the eye
High or low eye pressure
Vision damage or loss (very rare)
Conclusion
The idea of eye surgery can be daunting, but vitrectomy is a highly effective way to protect sight when serious problems develop inside the eye. By following your pre-operative instructions and sticking closely to your head positioning and medication schedule, you give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome and good long-term eye health.
Next Steps
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that needs a vitrectomy, talk to your ophthalmologist about the specific risks and benefits. Arrange transportation, and set up a comfortable space at home for any positioning you may need. Contact your surgical team right away if you have severe pain, worsening or sudden loss of vision, or signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is vitrectomy a common surgery?
Yes. It is a standard procedure used to treat many retinal and vitreous conditions.
2. Will I be awake during the surgery?
Your eye is numbed so you feel nothing, and you may also be given general anesthesia to sleep through the procedure.
3. How long does the surgery take?
A vitrectomy usually takes around 90 minutes, but complex repairs take longer.
4. Does the vitreous humor grow back?
Your body gradually absorbs a saline solution or gas bubble and replaces it with the eye's own natural fluid over time.
5. What is the purpose of the gas bubble?
A gas bubble provides temporary pressure that holds the retina in place while it heals.
6. How long must I stay in a specific head position?
It depends on your surgery. Your care team will give you detailed instructions, which may include sitting upright by day and sleeping face-down at night.
7. Can I fly after a vitrectomy?
If a gas bubble was used, do not fly until your surgeon confirms the bubble is gone, because changes in pressure can seriously harm the eye.
8. When will my vision return to normal?
Vision may be blurry for a few days and usually improves gradually. Complete recovery usually takes a few weeks.
9. Is silicone oil permanent?
No. You may need another operation to remove silicone oil once the eye has stabilized.
10. What are the risks of vitrectomy?
Possible risks include cataracts, infection, bleeding, damage inside the eye, and high or low eye pressure. Vision loss is very rare.
11. Will I need to use eye drops?
Yes. Medicated eye drops are used to help manage side effects and protect the eye, as often as your surgery team suggests.
12. Can I drive myself home after surgery?
No. You will need a driver for the trip home and for your follow-up visit, which is usually the next day.
13. What should I do if I feel irritation?
Mild puffiness, irritation, redness, and bruising can happen. Use your prescribed drops and call your doctor if symptoms get worse.
14. Does vitrectomy cause cataracts?
Cataracts are a recognized risk. They can develop or progress after vitrectomy in an eye that still has its natural lens.
15. How successful is the procedure?
Vitrectomy is considered safe and manages many conditions that could otherwise permanently affect vision. Results depend on the condition being treated.
Related Reading
Trusted External Resources
References
Cleveland Clinic. Vitrectomy. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 26, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24402-vitrectomy
Muni RH, Francisconi CLM, Felfeli T, et al. Vision-related functioning in patients undergoing pneumatic retinopexy vs vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a post hoc exploratory analysis of the PIVOT randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(8):826-833. PMID 32556156. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.2007
Nichani PAH, Dhoot AS, Popovic MM, et al. Scleral buckling alone or in combination with pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: a meta-analysis of 7,212 eyes. Ophthalmologica. 2022;245(4):296-314. PMID 35533652. https://doi.org/10.1159/000524888
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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