What to expect - and what to be concerned about - after vitrectomy surgery
If you have had gas in the eye:
You will normally be seen about a week after your operation, then again about 2 months after that. If you have gas in the eye you will be able to see movement and possibly count how many fingers you are holding up – if you hold your hand close to your face. If you bend over so that you are looking straight at the ground and then bring your hand within a few inches of your face you will probably be able to see details on your hand. You may even be able to see details like a watch face or read your mobile phone if you bend over and look at it from about 2 or 3 inches away.
As the bubble slowly dissolves away you will start to be able to see through the top of your vision. By about six weeks the bubble will be bouncing around in the bottom half of your vision and you should start seeing over the top of it. By ten weeks the bubble will be a ball at the bottom of your vision and one day – it will be gone.
Things to look out for:
In the first few days and again at about two weeks or so pressure in the eye can be a problem. Pressure usually gives you a bad eye and brow ache and is treated with tablets or drops. If you have brow ache, do not ignore it – get in touch so we can treat it.
As the bubble gets smaller – and if you are unlucky – the retina can detach. This is seen as a grey shadow that covers part of the vision, usually starting at the bottom. Unlike the bubble, it doesn’t move around as you tilt your head. If you think this might be happening, get in touch so we can have a look.
If you don’t have gas in the eye:
In the first few days and again at two weeks or so pressure in the eye can be a problem. Pressure usually gives you a bad eye and brow ache and is treated with tablets or drops. If you have brow ache, don’t ignore it – get in touch so we can treat it.
If you are unlucky the retina can detach. This is seen as a grey shadow that covers part of the vision, usually starting at the bottom. If you think this might be happening, get in touch so we can have a look.
Pain:
This operation and the period afterwards should not be painful. Do not expect pain and if you get pain, make a fuss!
As the bubble slowly dissolves away you will start to be able to see through the top of your vision. By about six weeks the bubble will be bouncing around in the bottom half of your vision and you should start seeing over the top of it. By ten weeks the bubble will be a ball at the bottom of your vision and one day – it will be gone.
Things to look out for:
In the first few days and again at about two weeks or so pressure in the eye can be a problem. Pressure usually gives you a bad eye and brow ache and is treated with tablets or drops. If you have brow ache, do not ignore it – get in touch so we can treat it.
As the bubble gets smaller – and if you are unlucky – the retina can detach. This is seen as a grey shadow that covers part of the vision, usually starting at the bottom. Unlike the bubble, it doesn’t move around as you tilt your head. If you think this might be happening, get in touch so we can have a look.
If you don’t have gas in the eye:
In the first few days and again at two weeks or so pressure in the eye can be a problem. Pressure usually gives you a bad eye and brow ache and is treated with tablets or drops. If you have brow ache, don’t ignore it – get in touch so we can treat it.
If you are unlucky the retina can detach. This is seen as a grey shadow that covers part of the vision, usually starting at the bottom. If you think this might be happening, get in touch so we can have a look.
Pain:
This operation and the period afterwards should not be painful. Do not expect pain and if you get pain, make a fuss!