Vitrectomy Surgery
Advanced retinal surgery for severe diabetic eye disease — clearing blood from the eye, relieving traction on the retina, and restoring the chance to see.
What Is a Vitrectomy?
A vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure in which the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed and replaced with a clear solution. Using instruments finer than a millimeter, the surgeon can also remove blood that has leaked into the eye and peel away scar tissue pulling on the retina. Modern small-gauge vitrectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure — no overnight hospital stay.
Why We Do It
In severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, fragile new blood vessels can bleed into the vitreous — called a vitreous hemorrhage — suddenly clouding vision like ink in water. Those same vessels can mature into scar tissue that contracts and tugs on the retina, causing a tractional retinal detachment. When bleeding doesn't clear on its own, or when the retina is being pulled out of position, vitrectomy is the definitive treatment.
The Clinical Benefits
- Restores a clear path for light — removing blood and debris can substantially improve vision when the retina beneath is healthy
- Relieves traction and reattaches the retina — peeling scar tissue lets the retina settle back into place, protecting central vision
- Allows definitive laser treatment — the surgeon can apply panretinal laser during the same procedure to stop new vessel growth
- Small-gauge, sutureless techniques — modern 25- and 27-gauge systems mean smaller openings, faster healing, and more comfortable recovery for many patients
- Proven timing benefit — decades of study, beginning with the landmark Diabetic Retinopathy Vitrectomy Study, established that earlier surgery in the right patients preserves more vision than waiting
How much vision returns after vitrectomy depends heavily on the health of the underlying retina — individual results vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Risks & Considerations
Vitrectomy is a major eye surgery, and while modern techniques have made it far safer and gentler, it carries real risks that we review with every patient:
- Cataract progression — the most common consequence: most patients who still have their natural lens will develop or worsen a cataract in the months to years after vitrectomy, often requiring cataract surgery
- Retinal tear or detachment — can occur during or after surgery and may require additional procedures
- Bleeding inside the eye — re-bleeding after diabetic vitrectomy sometimes occurs and can delay visual recovery
- Elevated eye pressure — usually temporary, occasionally requiring treatment
- Infection (endophthalmitis) — rare but serious, requiring urgent care
- Need for further surgery — advanced diabetic eyes sometimes require more than one operation, and anesthesia carries its own risks reviewed before surgery
The Full Spectrum of Diabetic Eye Care
Vitrectomy is the treatment of last resort we hope you never need — which is why we emphasize prevention and early-stage control, anti-VEGF injections, and laser photocoagulation at the stages where they can keep disease from ever reaching this point. Learn more about diabetic retinopathy and its stages.
Sudden floaters or vision loss?
A shower of new floaters or a curtain over your vision in diabetes is urgent — call us the same day.