Vitrectomy surgery is performed  in the hospital under sterile technique. This outpatient procedure may require local or general anesthesia and may take up to two hours or longer. Vitrectomy surgery is done to repair retinal detachments, macular holes, remove scar tissue and/or blood, and for many other reasons.

This surgery uses microscopic  instruments inside the eye. During a vitrectomy procedure, the physician will remove the vitreous gel, and any blood or scar tissue that is inside the eye. Any traction on the retina from scar tissue will be removed and any pulling on the retina will be relieved. If the retina is detached, the physician will flatten the retina back on to the nourishing bed. If needed, laser is done inside the eye with a special laser probe.  A bubble of gas or silicone oil may be inserted to hold the retina in place while it heals. If neither gas nor oil is used ,or necessary, the eye is then filled with a sterile saline solution to replace the vitreous gel, while the body produces its own fluid.

Recovery after vitrectomy surgery  is about six weeks and the patient will have some restrictions afterwards. Frequent follow up visits are necessary and eye drops will be prescribed to help prevent infection and inflammation. Full visual recovery may take up to three months or longer depending on the extent of retinal damage prior to surgery.