Diabetic Retinopathy: Having a Vitrectomy

You have diabetic retinopathy. This condition happens when diabetes damages blood vessels in the back of the eye. It can cause cloudy vision and other problems. But a type of surgery called vitrectomy may help you see more clearly.

What is vitrectomy?

When healthy, the gel (vitreous) that fills the eye is clear. But with diabetic retinopathy, this gel can become clouded with blood or debris. During vitrectomy, the eye healthcare provider removes the cloudy vitreous. It is replaced with fluid, silicone oil, or gas. The retina may also be repaired if there is scar tissue. This can help make your vision clearer. But if you still have vision problems after vitrectomy, more surgery may be needed. A successful vitrectomy may make it possible to do other procedures to restore vision. These include laser treatments. 

Preparing for the surgery

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It includes aspirin, ibuprofen, ginkgo, warfarin, or other blood thinners. Before surgery, you will meet with a healthcare provider (anesthesiologist) who provides medicine to control pain. You’ll talk about the type of pain medicine (anesthesia) you will have during the surgery.

During the surgery

During the surgery, tiny tools are inserted through small cuts (incisions) in the white of the eye (the sclera). The vitreous is removed. It is replaced with a substitute, such as saltwater (saline) solution, silicone oil, or a gas bubble that holds the retina in place. The surgery may take a few hours.

Following the surgery

Be sure to have an adult family member or friend drive you home after the surgery. Wear dark sunglasses on the way home. Before leaving, you’ll be told how to protect and care for your eye. Don’t rub, touch, or bump your eye. Ask your healthcare provider how long you need to wait before you can lift things, exercise, or swim. Also ask when you can drive and go back to work.

Controlling pain

Vitrectomy may cause some pain. You’ll be given medicine to control this pain. If discomfort continues, tell your healthcare provider.

When to call your healthcare provider 

After you go home, call your healthcare provider right away if: 

• You have increasing pain

• You have vision problems after the eye patch is removed