Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a microsurgical procedure in which the vitreous — the clear gel that fills the back of the eye — is carefully removed and replaced with a clear saline solution, a gas bubble, or (less often) silicone oil. Removing the vitreous gives the surgeon direct access to the retina to repair problems such as retinal detachment, macular holes, or blood and scar tissue clouding vision. It is performed through a few tiny incisions, usually less than 1mm, in the white part of the eye (sclera).
Who typically needs this
- Recommended for retinal detachment that cannot be adequately treated with simpler methods.
- Used for vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the eye) that is not clearing on its own, often from advanced diabetic eye disease.
- Considered for macular holes, epiretinal membranes ("macular pucker"), and severe diabetic tractional retinal detachment.
- May be needed to remove a dislocated intraocular lens or retained lens fragments after cataract surgery.
What to expect
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or occasionally general anesthesia, usually as day surgery.
- Three tiny ports are placed in the sclera; fine instruments remove the vitreous gel along with any blood, membranes, or scar tissue.
- Additional steps are added depending on the underlying problem, such as laser treatment, membrane peeling, or reattaching the retina.
- At the end, the eye is filled with saline, an air or gas bubble, or (rarely) silicone oil to hold the retina in place while it heals.
Recovery
- Vision is blurry immediately after surgery and improves gradually over several weeks.
- If a gas bubble was placed, specific head positioning (often face-down) may be needed for days to weeks, and air travel must be avoided until the gas fully absorbs.
- Eye drops are used for several weeks to control inflammation and prevent infection.
- Full visual recovery can take weeks to a few months, depending on the reason for surgery.
Risks to know about
- Cataract formation is common after vitrectomy in adults, often developing within months to a couple of years.
- Elevated eye pressure, bleeding, infection, and retinal detachment or re-detachment can occur.
- A gas bubble temporarily blocks vision and requires positioning; flying or altitude changes while gas remains in the eye can cause dangerous pressure rises.
- As with any intraocular surgery, rare but serious complications include severe infection or permanent vision loss.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be awake during vitrectomy?
Most vitrectomies are done under local anesthesia with sedation, so you are comfortable and not fully asleep, though general anesthesia is used in some cases.
How long does a gas bubble stay in my eye?
Depending on the gas used, it can take roughly 2 to 8 weeks to fully absorb, and your vision stays blurred or blocked until then.
Can I fly with a gas bubble in my eye?
No — air travel and significant altitude changes are unsafe until your surgeon confirms the gas bubble has fully absorbed.
Will I need cataract surgery after this?
Many patients develop cataracts within a year or two of vitrectomy and go on to need cataract surgery later.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — Vitrectomy, Mayo Clinic — Vitrectomy . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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