Retina & vitreous · Cost guide · 2026

Private macular hole surgery cost

Macular hole surgery is a vitrectomy with membrane peel and a gas bubble that closes around 90% of holes. UK 2026 self-pay pricing is from £6,500 per eye, all-inclusive.

From £6,500per eye, all-inclusive
~90% closurewith one operation
Vitrectomy + gasmembrane peel
Posturingmay be needed after surgery

Private macular hole surgery in the UK in 2026 costs from £6,500 per eye, all-inclusive. The operation is a vitrectomy with an internal limiting membrane peel and a gas bubble, which closes around 90% of macular holes with a single operation. The price covers the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the surgery and follow-up reviews.

Macular hole surgery cost

Macular hole surgery is priced all-inclusive per eye — the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the vitrectomy with membrane peel and gas bubble, and your follow-up reviews:

This is the same pricing as our detailed macular hole vitrectomy with gas bubble page. A closely related operation, epiretinal membrane peel, is priced similarly.

What is a macular hole?

A macular hole is a small gap that forms in the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It causes blurred or distorted central vision and a missing spot in the middle of your sight, while peripheral vision is unaffected. Most occur with age as the vitreous gel pulls on the macula. Read more on our macular hole condition and treatment pages.

Distorted or missing central vision? Early assessment gives the best chance of a good result, because smaller holes close more reliably.

Book a retinal assessment

How macular hole surgery works

The operation is a vitrectomy: the vitreous gel is removed, a fine membrane (the internal limiting membrane) is peeled from around the hole, and a gas bubble is placed in the eye to hold the edges together while they heal. The bubble gradually absorbs over a few weeks. See our vitreoretinal surgery page for more on the technique.

Frequently asked questions

From £6,500 per eye, all-inclusive of the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the vitrectomy with membrane peel and gas bubble, and follow-up reviews. Complex or long-standing holes may cost more.
Vitrectomy with an internal limiting membrane peel and gas bubble closes around 90% of macular holes with one operation. Closure rates are highest for smaller, more recent holes. Vision usually improves gradually over several months once the hole is closed.
Often, yes, for a period after surgery so the gas bubble presses on the macula while the hole seals, though many modern protocols have shortened or relaxed this. Your surgeon will tell you exactly what posturing you need. You must not fly while gas remains in the eye.
Yes, macular hole surgery is provided by the NHS, but waiting times vary. Private treatment offers faster access to a named vitreoretinal consultant, which matters because smaller, earlier holes have the best closure and vision outcomes.

Treat a macular hole while it is small

Request a consultation with a vitreoretinal surgeon. Earlier surgery gives the best chance of closing the hole.

Updated on 11 Jul 2026