---
title: "Vitrectomy | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What vitrectomy surgery involves, the retinal and back-of-eye conditions it treats, recovery including gas bubbles and posturing, and what to expect."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/vitrectomy/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Vitrectomy

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A vitrectomy is keyhole surgery to remove the vitreous gel inside the eye, giving the surgeon access to the retina at the back. It is used to treat conditions such as retinal detachment, bleeding in diabetic eye disease, and macular problems. Recovery varies and sometimes involves a gas bubble and posturing.

### On this page ⌄

1. What it is
2. What it treats
3. Recovery
4. What to expect
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

In a vitrectomy the surgeon makes tiny openings in the eye and removes the clear vitreous gel that fills it. This allows them to repair or treat problems affecting the retina and the back of the eye, and the gel is replaced with fluid, gas or oil depending on the condition.

## What it treats

Vitrectomy is used for a range of back-of-eye conditions.

- Retinal detachment and some retinal tears
- Bleeding into the eye, often from diabetic retinopathy
- Macular holes and some macular membranes
- Severe floaters or infection inside the eye in selected cases

## Recovery

Recovery depends on what was treated and what the eye was filled with. If a gas bubble is used you may need to hold a particular head position (posturing) for a time and must avoid flying until it clears. Vision is blurry at first and improves gradually, and you will use drops while the eye heals.

## What to expect

Vitrectomy is a well-established, generally safe operation, though as with any surgery there are risks, including cataract developing sooner. Your surgeon will explain the likely benefit for your specific condition and what your recovery should involve.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### What conditions need a vitrectomy?

It is used for problems at the back of the eye such as retinal detachment, bleeding from diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and some severe infections or floaters.

### Why do I need to posture after a vitrectomy?

If a gas bubble is placed in the eye, holding a specific head position helps the bubble press on the right area to support healing. Your surgeon will tell you if and how to posture.

### Can I fly after a vitrectomy?

Not while a gas bubble remains in the eye, as the change in pressure is dangerous. You must wait until the bubble has fully cleared, which your team will confirm.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Moorfields Eye Hospital - Vitreoretinal care](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eye-conditions/vitreoretinal)