Vitreoretinal surgery is specialist microsurgery for the back of the eye — the retina and the vitreous gel that fills it. It is used to reattach a detached retina, close a macular hole, peel an epiretinal membrane and clear blood or floaters from the vitreous. Most procedures are day cases under local anaesthetic with sedation, with vision recovering gradually over weeks to months.
What is vitreoretinal surgery?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye, and the vitreous is the clear gel that fills the space in front of it. Vitreoretinal surgery is the branch of eye surgery that treats problems affecting these structures — from a retina that has torn or detached, to scar tissue distorting central vision, to bleeding that clouds the vitreous. It is highly specialised work carried out by surgeons who sub-specialise in the retina.
At our partner clinics across South England you are assessed by a vitreoretinal specialist with detailed retinal imaging, including OCT and a dilated examination, so the right procedure is matched to your diagnosis. Many conditions are time-sensitive — a fresh retinal detachment is an emergency — so prompt assessment matters. If you have sudden flashes, a curtain or shadow across your vision, or a sharp increase in floaters, seek same-day care; NHS emergency eye services are free and available 24/7.
Vitreoretinal procedures we cover
The right operation depends on which part of the retina or vitreous is affected. The three core surgical approaches are below; the clinic will explain exactly which applies to you and link it to your specific condition.
Specific conditions and their dedicated pages: retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, vitreous haemorrhage and floaters. For urgent detachment we also offer a same-day retinal detachment surgery pathway.
What happens during surgery
A vitrectomy is performed through three tiny ports in the white of the eye, no larger than a needle. Through these, the surgeon removes the vitreous gel and addresses the underlying problem — peeling a membrane, closing a hole, removing blood or flattening a detachment with the help of laser. At the end, the eye may be filled with a temporary gas bubble or, in complex cases, silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals.
The operation is usually carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation, so you are comfortable and the eye is numb; general anaesthetic is offered where preferred or clinically appropriate. Most procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes, and you go home the same day with the eye padded and a clear set of drops and aftercare instructions.
Not sure which procedure you need? A retinal specialist can review your scans and explain your options.
Book a retinal consultationRecovery and aftercare
First few days
The eye is often red, gritty and a little achy. You use prescribed drops, keep the eye clean and avoid rubbing. If a gas bubble was placed, you may be asked to position your head in a particular way for part of the day.
Face-down positioning & flying
After macular hole repair or when a gas bubble is used, face-down or specific positioning may be needed for several days. You must not fly or travel to altitude until the gas has fully absorbed — your surgeon will confirm when it is safe.
First few weeks
Vision is often blurred at first, especially while a gas bubble is present, then improves as it absorbs. You avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity and attend follow-up appointments so healing can be checked.
Longer term
Vision can keep improving for several months depending on the condition treated. Cataract often progresses after vitrectomy and may need treatment later. Your consultant gives personalised guidance throughout.
How much does vitreoretinal surgery cost?
Private vitrectomy starts from around £6,500 per eye, with selected detachment repairs such as scleral buckle or pneumatic retinopexy from around £5,500. More complex cases — for example combined cataract and vitrectomy, the use of silicone oil, or surgery for advanced diabetic eye disease — are priced individually and can range higher. A retinal consultation with imaging is from £240.
Your written quote is confirmed after assessment and includes the surgeon, the facility and your routine post-operative follow-up. See the full price list or request a personalised quote below.
Vitreoretinal surgery FAQs
What is vitreoretinal surgery?
Vitreoretinal surgery is specialist microsurgery for the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) and the vitreous gel that fills the eye. It is used to repair retinal detachment, close a macular hole, peel an epiretinal membrane, and clear vitreous haemorrhage or persistent floaters.
Which conditions does vitreoretinal surgery treat?
It treats retinal detachment and tears, macular hole, epiretinal membrane (macular pucker), vitreomacular traction, vitreous haemorrhage, persistent floaters, and some complications of diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. Your consultant confirms suitability after examination and retinal imaging.
What does a vitrectomy involve?
A vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel through three tiny ports and treats the underlying problem using fine instruments — peeling a membrane, closing a hole, removing blood or flattening a detachment with laser. A temporary gas bubble or, in complex cases, silicone oil may be placed to support the retina while it heals.
Will I need to position face-down or avoid flying afterwards?
Face-down or specific positioning is sometimes required, particularly after macular hole surgery or when a gas bubble is used — not everyone needs it. If a gas bubble is placed, you must not fly or travel to high altitude until it has fully absorbed, as this can cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe.
What is recovery like after vitreoretinal surgery?
The eye is usually red and gritty for the first few days and you use prescribed drops. Vision is blurred at first — especially while a gas bubble is present — then improves over weeks, and can continue improving for several months depending on the condition treated. You avoid heavy lifting and attend follow-up appointments.
How much does private vitreoretinal surgery cost?
Private vitrectomy starts from around £6,500 per eye, with selected detachment repairs from around £5,500. Complex cases such as combined cataract and vitrectomy, silicone oil or advanced diabetic surgery are priced individually. A retinal consultation with imaging is from £240, and you receive a fixed written quote after assessment.