Vitrectomy
Restoring Clarity: Advanced Vitrectomy for Severe Uveitis and its Complications.
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Surgery Type
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What happens in this surgery?
- Removal of the vitreous gel to eliminate inflammatory cells and debris.
- Addressing complications like scar tissue (epiretinal membranes) or vitreous hemorrhage caused by uveitis.
- Facilitating diagnosis by allowing biopsy of intraocular tissues to identify the cause of inflammation.
- Improving the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications by removing barriers and inflammatory mediators.
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Connect with a specialist to see if Vitrectomy is right for you.
Post Surgery Recovery
What to expect after your procedure
After a vitrectomy for uveitis, patients typically experience some discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers and anti-inflammatory eye drops. A protective eye patch or shield may be worn for a short period to protect the healing eye. It is crucial to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including the diligent use of medicated eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation, and to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and rubbing the eye. Vision may be blurry initially and will gradually improve over several weeks or months as the eye heals. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to monitor healing, check for complications, and adjust medication as needed. Depending on the specific findings during surgery, gas or silicone oil may have been placed in the eye to help the retina heal; if so, specific head positioning instructions will be given, and silicone oil may require a second surgery for removal later. Full recovery can take several months, and ongoing medical management of uveitis may still be necessary to prevent recurrence.
Hospital Stay
1–7 days
Varies by procedure
Initial Rest
1–2 weeks
Light activity only
Follow-up Visit
2–4 weeks
Wound check & review
Full Recovery
6–12 weeks
Back to normal activity
Recovery & Wellness Tips
- Undergo a comprehensive eye examination, including imaging tests, to assess the severity and extent of uveitis and plan the surgical approach.
- Discuss all current medications, including blood thinners, with your surgeon, as some may need to be adjusted or stopped prior to surgery.
- Follow fasting instructions provided by your medical team, typically avoiding food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
- Arrange for transportation home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive due to sedation and eye patching.
- Use prescribed eye drops, if any, as directed by your ophthalmologist in the days leading up to the surgery.
