Vitreoretinal Surgery

This is the most common vitreoretinal procedure. Your surgeon removes some or all of the vitreous gel from your eye. This allows access to your retina and removes any blood, scar tissue, or debris that may be affecting your vision.

After removing the vitreous, your surgeon may also perform additional procedures such as repairing a retinal detachment, removing scar tissue from your macula, or treating a macular hole.

Your surgeon places a small, flexible band around your eye (like a belt) to gently push the wall of your eye inward against a detached retina. This is often combined with vitrectomy or cryotherapy (freezing treatment).

Your surgeon injects a gas bubble into your eye to push your retina back into place. This is typically used for certain types of retinal detachment and is combined with laser or freezing treatment. You will need to hold your head in a specific position for several days after surgery.

After repairing your retina, your surgeon may fill your eye with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold your retina in place while it heals.

• Gas bubble. This dissolves on its own over days or weeks. While the gas is present, you cannot fly or travel to high altitudes, as the gas will expand and dangerously increase your eye pressure. You will also need to position your head in a specific way.

• Silicone oil. This does not dissolve on its own. Your surgeon may remove it with a second operation months later. Silicone oil allows you to fly and does not require strict head positioning.