Vitreo-retinal surgery
The London Clinic's expert team at our eye centre offer vitroretinal surgery to treat patients with conditions at the back of the eye. Whether it be a retinal detachment, floaters, epiretinal membrane or macular hole, our friendly team offer an exceptional care package to put your mind at ease.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Surgery to treat conditions at the back of the eye involving the retina, macula and vitreous fluid
Treatment overview
Our specialist team at The London Clinic perform vitreo-retinal surgery to treat any eye-related issues that involve the retina, macula and vitreous fluid.
Otherwise known as vitrectomy, this typically includes conditions like retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, secondary lens surgery and any complications caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Our highly trained team of retinal consultants, anaesthetists and nurses work around you to lay out the best personal treatment plan for your specific circumstances.
We’re dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care possible, surrounding you with the latest treatments and state-of-the-art equipment to get your eyes back to good health.
Vitreo-retinal surgery is usually performed as a day case procedure under local or general anaesthetic. This means that, in most cases, you’re free to go home on the same day as the surgery itself.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve
FAQ's
Vitreo-retinal surgery is performed by one of our specialist eye surgeons here at The London Clinic and involves operating inside the eye.
After making three small keyhole incisions on the white of the eye, your surgeon will then carefully remove the vitreous gel contained in the back half of the eye.
During the operation, the vitreous gel will be replaced with either a balanced salt solution, a gas bubble or an oil bubble.
These are used to hold the layers of the retina in place, helping 'tamponade' it and secure the retina after the surgery has taken place.
The best choice for you will depend on the condition being treated and your own specific circumstances.
However, your surgeon will explain this all to you in advance and will happily answer any questions you might have before, during or after the surgery.
As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved, although uncommon. For vitreo-retinal surgery specifically, retinal tearing or detachment are two rare risks associated with the procedure.
However, here at The London Clinic, our eye surgeons have substantial experience in performing vireo-retinal surgery and are expertly trained to treat a wide variety of eye conditions.
In most cases, vitreo-retinal surgery is a simple, effective procedure that carries very few complications.
Vitreo-retinal surgery can take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the type and complexity of eye condition being treated.
In most cases, the surgery is a day case procedure.
This means that most patients are able to return home on the same of the operation itself.
Most vitreo-retinal surgery is performed under local anaesthetic.
However, in certain cases, the surgery may need to be heldit may be preferrable to have the surgery under general anaesthetic instead.
This typically occurs in situations where a longer procedure is anticipated, patients are extremely nervous, have a fear of being awake during the procedure or are unable to lie still for the required time.
Patients also have the option of being lightly sedated instead of general anaesthesia. Your consultant will talk you through all the options prior to the surgery taking place, helping put your mind at ease.
