When is it needed?
- Retinal detachment
- Macular hole
- Epiretinal membrane (a thin layer of scar tissue on the retina that distorts vision)
- Bleeding inside the eye (vitreous haemorrhage), for example from diabetes
- Some cases of severe floaters
Seek help the same day
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain spreading across your vision can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment. Contact an eye doctor or emergency department the same day.
How the operation is done
The operation is done through very small openings in the white of the eye, usually under local anaesthetic, sometimes general. It takes from about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the problem. At the end, the eye may be filled with a gas bubble or with silicone oil to hold the retina in place; oil is removed in a later operation.
Recovery
- If a gas bubble was used, you may need to keep your head in a set position for some days
- Do not fly or travel to high altitude until the gas has gone – usually 2–8 weeks; your surgeon will tell you
- Tell any doctor who gives you an anaesthetic that you have gas in the eye
- Vision is very blurred while the bubble is present and improves as it shrinks
- You will use eye drops for a few weeks
Risks
Possible problems include raised eye pressure, a cataract developing in the following months (very common after vitrectomy), the retina detaching again and, rarely, infection. Your surgeon will discuss the risks with you.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need to keep my head in a certain position?
The gas bubble floats, so positioning your head keeps it pressed against the part of the retina that is healing.
When can I fly?
Only after the gas bubble has completely gone, usually 2–8 weeks depending on the gas used. Flying with gas in the eye is dangerous.
Is it covered by GESY?
Yes, when the operation is medically needed, with a referral. Private patients can book directly, and we settle directly with affiliated insurance companies.
GESY, insurance and payment
We are part of GESY, the national health system. GESY patients need a referral from their personal doctor; private patients can book directly. We settle directly with affiliated insurance companies, and accept cash, card or bank transfer. More on insurance and payment.
Doctors
- Dr. Achilleos Christos
- Dr. Antoniou Yianna
- Dr. Demosthenous Constantinos
- Dr. Glykeriou Antonis
- Dr. Hadjizadeh Susan
- Dr. Kontovourkis Prodromos
- Dr. Krasia Maria
- Dr. Machattos Andreas
- Dr. Palekythritou-Papakyriakou Stella
- Dr. Papamichael Esther
- Dr. Phylactou Maria
- Dr. Pipis Minas
- Dr. Pipis Spyros
- Dr. Serghiou Menelaos
- Dr. Tryfonides Christos
Book an appointment
Call 22 445555 (24/7) or use the appointment request form and we will call you back.
Other specialties
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