Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery that treats problems involving the retina and vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. This procedure involves removing the vitreous to access and repair the retina or to treat issues that affect vision. Vitrectomy is often performed to improve vision or prevent further complications caused by conditions like retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular holes.
"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we provide expert vitreo-retinal surgery using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients."
Your ophthalmologist may recommend a vitrectomy if you have one of the following conditions:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: In cases where bleeding or scar tissue formation in the vitreous affects vision.
- Retinal Detachment: When the retina separates from the back of the eye, vitrectomy may be needed to repair it.
- Macular Hole: A tear or hole in the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision).
- Macular Pucker: Wrinkling or scarring of the macula that leads to distorted or blurry vision.
- Endophthalmitis: A severe infection inside the eye.
- Severe Eye Injury: Vitrectomy can be used to remove foreign objects or repair retinal damage after trauma.
- Complications During Cataract Surgery: In rare cases, vitrectomy may be needed to correct problems arising during cataract surgery.
Vitrectomy is typically performed as a day care procedure under local or general anaesthesia. The surgery can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the complexity of the condition.
Procedure Steps:
- Incision: A small cut is made in the white of the eye (sclera) to access the vitreous cavity.
- Vitreous Removal: The surgeon uses specialized instruments to remove the cloudy or damaged vitreous gel.
- Scar Tissue or Foreign Object Removal: If scar tissue, blood, or a foreign object is present in the eye, it is carefully removed.
- Retinal Repair: If the retina is torn or detached, the surgeon repositions it and may use a laser to secure it.
- Tamponade: After the retinal repair, the eye may be filled with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold the retina in place as it heals.
Gas Bubble:
In many cases, a gas bubble is used to hold the retina in place during healing. Over time, the gas naturally dissipates, and the eye refills with its own fluid.
- Advantages: Dissolves on its own, eliminating the need for removal.
- Post-Operative Care: Patients must maintain a specific head position to keep the bubble in place.
- Restrictions: Air travel and altitude changes are prohibited until the bubble fully dissolves due to pressure changes that can affect the eye.
Silicone Oil
In certain cases, such as when the retina is more difficult to stabilize or for complex retinal detachments, silicone oil is used instead of gas.
- Advantages: Silicone oil is more stable than gas and can remain in the eye for a longer period, making it suitable for patients who are unable to maintain the strict positioning required for gas bubbles.
- Need for Surgical Removal: Unlike gas, silicone oil does not dissolve on its own. It must be surgically removed in a later procedure, typically after a few months once the retina has healed.
- Temporary Hyperopia (Farsightedness): The silicone oil can temporarily change the eye's refractive power, often inducing hyperopic (farsighted) vision. This occurs because the silicone oil has a different refractive index than the eye’s natural fluid, leading to blurred or distorted near vision. This effect resolves once the oil is removed.
After surgery, you will be monitored while recovering from anaesthesia and then allowed to go home the same day. Post-operative care is crucial to ensure proper healing.
- Medications: You will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, as well as medication to manage any discomfort.
- Eye Patch: You may be asked to wear an eye patch for a day to protect the eye.
- Positioning: Your ophthalmologist may instruct you to maintain a face-down or side-facing or any specific head position for several days to ensure proper healing.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and to plan for the removal of silicone oil, if used.

Important Note About Air Travel:
If a gas bubble was placed in your eye, you cannot fly in an airplane until the bubble has fully dissipated. The change in altitude can cause dangerous pressure changes in the eye, leading to serious complications.
While vitrectomy is generally safe and effective, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These include:
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
- Retinal Detachment or Tear: There is a chance the retina could tear or detach during or after surgery.
- Cataract Formation: Vitrectomy increases the likelihood of developing a cataract, especially in people over 50.
- Glaucoma: In rare cases, vitrectomy can lead to increased pressure in the eye, causing glaucoma.
- Hyperopic Refractive Shift: Patients with silicone oil may temporarily experience hyperopia until the oil is surgically removed
Most patients experience significant improvement in vision or stabilization of their condition after vitrectomy.
Recovery time varies based on the complexity of the surgery, the underlying condition treated and the tamponade used (gas or silicone oil). Typically, patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, but full visual recovery may take longer.
Post-Operative Care:
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular visits with your ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor healing and ensure no complications develop.
- Eye Drops: Continue using prescribed drops to manage inflammation and reduce the risk of infection.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, swimming, and strenuous activities for several weeks after surgery.
Patients with a gas bubble must follow strict head-positioning instructions to ensure the bubble remains in the correct place.
High-Speed Microincision Vitrectomy Machine:
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use the state-of-the-art Retikare Vitrectomy Machine, capable of performing vitrectomy at an impressive 7500 cuts per minute. This high-speed precision tool allows for safer and more efficient surgical procedures by minimizing traction on the retina, reducing the risk of complications, and improving surgical outcomes. The machine's advanced fluidics ensure stable intraocular pressure throughout the procedure, providing a smoother experience for both the surgeon and the patient. This technology enables us to handle complex retinal cases with confidence and deliver superior results.

Zeiss Visulas 532 Green Laser – Efficient Retinal Laser
This state-of-the-art laser machine is used for retinal laser treatments, including panretinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy and focal laser for macular edema. The laser isalso used for treating retinal hole and tears. The precision of the 532 nm green laser ensures effective treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Zeiss Lumera Microscope – Enhanced Surgical Visualization
The Zeiss Lumera Microscope used during surgery provides unparalleled visual clarity, essential for performing intricate procedures like vitreoretinal surgery.High-definition optics allow the surgeon to see even the smallest details, ensuring the highest level of accuracy during surgery. Its depth of field and contrast capabilities are particularly beneficial for complex vitreoretinal cases, enhancing both safety and visual outcomes for patients.

Our lead retinal surgeon, Dr. Deepankur Mahajan, has over 18 years of experience in performing complex retinal surgeries, including vitrectomies for a wide range of conditions. His expertise, combined with our advanced instrumentation, ensures that patients receive the highest quality care.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced surgeons have been performing vitrectomy surgeries for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in the latest technology, including high speed vitrectomy, Lumera microscope, enables us to provide safer, more precise, and efficient surgeries.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your vitrectomy surgery, from pre-surgical measurements to selecting the procedure that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues, are promptly addressed if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions
• Silicone oil: Provides longer-term support for complex cases but requires surgical removal later. It can induce a temporary hyperopic shift (farsightedness).