Vitreoretinal surgery treats sight-threatening problems of the retina and vitreous — retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, vitreous haemorrhage and advanced diabetic retinopathy. In the UK private sector in 2026, a consultant-led VR assessment with OCT scanning typically costs from around £200–£300, and surgery (most commonly a pars plana vitrectomy) typically ranges from about £4,000 to £8,000+ depending on complexity. Sudden floaters, flashing lights, or a dark curtain or shadow over your vision should be assessed the same day — call 0800 852 7782.
What vitreoretinal surgery is
The vitreous is the clear gel that fills the large cavity behind the lens of the eye; the retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back wall, with the macula at its centre providing detailed central vision. Vitreoretinal surgery is the branch of ophthalmology concerned with disorders of these structures. Most modern VR surgery is performed through tiny self-sealing ports in the white of the eye (the pars plana), using fine instruments to remove or reshape the vitreous, repair the retina, and peel delicate membranes off the macula.
Because the macula governs reading, faces and fine detail, even small structural problems here can blur or distort vision — and some, like retinal detachment, can cause permanent sight loss if not repaired promptly. That is why VR conditions are managed by a subspecialist rather than a general ophthalmologist. You can read more about the underlying conditions in our conditions library and the procedures on our vitreoretinal surgery page.
Conditions VR surgery treats
- Retinal detachment — the retina lifts away from the back of the eye, an emergency that needs urgent repair. See retinal detachment and same-day detachment surgery.
- Macular hole — a small full-thickness gap at the centre of the macula causing a central blur or blind spot. See macular hole and macular hole vitrectomy.
- Epiretinal membrane (macular pucker) — a fine scar-like sheet on the macular surface that wrinkles the retina and distorts vision. See epiretinal membrane and membrane peel costs.
- Vitreomacular traction — the vitreous pulls abnormally on the macula. See vitreomacular traction.
- Vitreous haemorrhage — bleeding into the vitreous gel that clouds vision, often from diabetes or a retinal tear. See vitreous haemorrhage.
- Advanced diabetic retinopathy — tractional changes and persistent bleeding may require vitrectomy.
- Persistent, disabling floaters — in selected cases a vitrectomy clears the gel. See floaters and floaters treatment.
What a VR consultant is — and why subspecialist care matters
A vitreoretinal consultant is a GMC-registered consultant ophthalmic surgeon (CCT in Ophthalmology, FRCOphth) who has completed additional fellowship training in surgery of the retina and vitreous. They operate on the most delicate tissue in the eye, where outcomes depend heavily on timing, technique and experience. Subspecialist care matters because the right operation, performed early, is what protects central vision — a detachment involving the macula has a far better prognosis when repaired before the macula comes off.
Our retinal consultants include Mr Vaughan Tanner and Mr Nish Srikantha, who assess and treat the full range of VR conditions across our South England partner clinics. Meet the wider team on our surgeons page.
Worried about new floaters, flashes or a shadow in your vision? Don't wait.
Book a same-week assessmentThe main VR operations
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) — the core VR operation: the vitreous gel is removed through micro-incisions, giving the surgeon access to repair the retina and macula. Used for macular holes, membranes, haemorrhage and many detachments.
- Membrane and ILM peel — ultra-fine forceps lift the epiretinal membrane and, where needed, the internal limiting membrane (ILM) off the macula to flatten it and help a hole close.
- Scleral buckle — a soft silicone band is placed around the outside of the eye to support the retina from outside, often used for certain detachments.
- Pneumatic retinopexy — a gas bubble is injected into the eye to push the retina back, combined with laser or freezing to seal the tear; suitable for selected detachments.
- Laser retinopexy — laser creates adhesions around a retinal tear or weak area to seal it and prevent detachment.
- Gas or silicone-oil tamponade — at the end of vitrectomy the eye is filled with a gas bubble (which absorbs over weeks) or silicone oil (later removed) to hold the retina in place while it heals.
For comparison, some floaters are managed without going inside the eye — see YAG vitreolysis — and macular conditions such as wet AMD or vein occlusion are often treated with anti-VEGF injections rather than surgery.
How to access a private same-week VR assessment
Private care removes the wait. A typical pathway is: phone our team, attend a consultant-led assessment with OCT and a dilated retinal examination, receive a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, and — where urgent — proceed to surgery within days. For sudden symptoms we prioritise same-day or next-day appointments. Start with our appointment request or a free online consultation, and see what to expect at your consultation.
Recovery, posturing and the gas bubble
Day of surgery
Most VR surgery is day-case under local or general anaesthetic. The eye is padded; expect grittiness, mild ache and blurred vision, especially if a gas bubble is present.
Posturing (first 1–2 weeks)
If a gas or oil bubble is used, your surgeon may ask you to hold a specific head position — often face-down — for set periods each day so the bubble presses on the right part of the retina. Follow the instructions carefully.
The gas bubble
A gas bubble gradually shrinks and absorbs over a few weeks; vision is poor while it clears, then improves. You must not fly, and must avoid certain anaesthetics and high altitude, while gas is in the eye — expansion can dangerously raise eye pressure. Your team confirms when the gas has gone.
Weeks to months
Drops control inflammation and infection. Vision recovers gradually — macular holes and membranes can keep improving for several months. Cataract often develops or progresses after vitrectomy and may need later surgery.
Indicative UK 2026 private costs
As a guide for self-pay patients in 2026: a consultant VR assessment with OCT typically costs from around £200–£300. Vitreoretinal surgery — most commonly a pars plana vitrectomy — typically ranges from about £4,000 to £8,000+, depending on the condition, the complexity of the repair, whether membrane/ILM peeling or a buckle is required, the anaesthetic, and the use of gas or silicone oil. Bilateral or repeat surgery costs more. Private medical insurance is widely accepted and 0% finance is available. See our vitreoretinal surgery prices and the full price list for current figures.