Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is Vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is an operation that removes the vitreous gel from the centre of the eye. This clear fluid, known as the vitreous humor, may become clouded or filled with blood, scar tissue, or debris due to a number of conditions, making it difficult to see clearly.
The procedure allows your surgeon to gain access to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye and carry out repairs. Vitrectomy may be used to treat:
- Retinal detachment
- Macular hole
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Vitreous haemorrhage or floaters
- Epiretinal membrane
- Retinal tears
During vitrectomy surgery, the vitreous fluid is carefully removed and replaced with a clear fluid such as saline solution, silicone oil, or a gas bubble. The gas bubble helps hold the retina in the proper position while the eye heals.
Most patients undergo posterior pars plana vitrectomy, but anterior vitrectomy may be performed when the front of the eye is affected, such as after cataract surgery complications.
The procedure usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours. It’s typically done under local anaesthetic with sedation, although general anaesthesia may be an option in some cases.
Vitrectomy Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
Choosing private vitrectomy surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital means you’ll receive experienced care in a well-equipped, comfortable environment.
Here’s what we offer:
- Specialist Surgeons: Our team includes highly experienced retina specialists trained in complex vitreoretinal procedures.
- Same-Day Appointments: Fast access to consultations, scans and surgery helps avoid delays that could affect vision.
- Modern Facilities: Vitrectomy is performed in our advanced operating theatres with full support from our surgical and nursing teams.
- Convenient Location: Located in NW8, we’re close to Hampstead, Kilburn and wider North West London.
Our goal is to help preserve or improve your vision while ensuring a smooth surgical experience and comprehensive aftercare.
Consultants who perform Vitrectomy Surgery
How much does a private Vitrectomy cost?
from £2,725*
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Hospital Fee Guaranteed: Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
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Eyeball drainage for retinal repair |
£2,725 |
|---|---|
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Eyeball drainage for retinal repair - with macular surgery |
£2,935 |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitrectomy
The cost of a private vitrectomy is £2,725 & the cost a private vitrectomy with macular surgery is £2,935 at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is in St John’s Wood (NW8), close to landmarks like Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We’re easy to reach from Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk away. Finchley Road also connects to NW3 and NW6.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189
By Car:
Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide straightforward access from NW3 and NW6.
- Retinal Detachment. This is an emergency situation where the retina detaches from the layer of blood vessels that provide it with oxygen and nutrients. Removing the vitreous allows the surgeon to access the retina and reattach it.
- Macular Hole. In some cases, a vitrectomy is performed to treat a macular hole. This is when a small hole forms in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision).
- Epiretinal membrane scarring. Removing the vitreous allows a surgeon to access the retina at the back of the eye. Scarring on the retina can affect your vision. Surgeons can restore your vision by removing scar tissue that has formed on the surface of the retina, known as the epiretinal membrane.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – for advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be recommended to remove blood or scar tissue that is affecting your vision.
- Vitreous Haemorrhage – when there is bleeding into the vitreous humour, a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the blood and improve vision.
Vitrectomy usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours. The length of surgery depends on the condition being treated, whether both eyes are affected, and whether any additional procedures (such as laser treatment or membrane peeling) are needed.
Recovery time varies depending on your eye condition and the type of vitrectomy performed. Most patients notice gradual improvement over several weeks. You may be given eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, and you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous activity.
If a gas bubble was used, you’ll be advised to maintain a specific head position and avoid flying until the bubble has dissolved, usually within a few weeks. Your consultant will provide clear instructions on how to care for your eye while it heals.
Over the next few weeks, you should use the eye drops your doctor has prescribed. These will help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
For two weeks post-surgery, you will need wear a clear eye shield over your eye at night to protect it whilst you are sleeping. You should also follow your doctor’s advice on posturing. This means placing your head in different positions to help direct the gas bubble in your eye to the area of the retina that needs additional support. This is very important to do if you have had any repairs on your retina.
You should take at least four weeks off work to recover and you will also not be able to fly for a few weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on when you can return to air travel.
The air or gas bubble will take around 6-8 weeks to absorb. Over this time, your vision should become gradually clearer, though it may not return completely back to normal after surgery.
Like any eye surgery, vitrectomy has some possible risks, including:
- Infection or bleeding
- Intraocular pressure changes
- Development of cataract
- Retinal re-detachment or persistent scar tissue
- Rarely, vision loss or severe complications
Most patients, however, recover without issue. Your surgeon will explain the specific risks and benefits based on your condition.
In some cases, especially if silicone oil is used instead of a gas bubble, a second surgery may be needed to remove it once the retina has fully healed. Your consultant will discuss this with you beforehand if relevant to your procedure.
It’s important to note that a vitrectomy is not the only solution for issues with your vision. For instance, if you’re dealing with diabetic retinopathy, your doctor might recommend an alternative procedure known as laser photocoagulation.
In the case of a detached retina, there are alternative treatments like laser therapy or a procedure called pneumatic retinopexy. Nevertheless, for complex retinal detachments or instances where bleeding into the vitreous has occurred, a vitrectomy may be recommended. Consult with your eye doctor to thoroughly understand the advantages and risks associated with all available treatment options.
If you are having general, you should stop eating six hours before surgery and stop drinking 2 hours before (including water). From 2 hours before, you should also not chew gum or suck hard sweets. If you are having local anaesthetic, you do not need to fast.
On surgery day, do not wear any facial make-up or contact lenses, wear loose, comfortable clothes and bring a small bag with things you might need during your stay. Items to remember include a toothbrush and toothpaste, your phone and a charger, and any prescription medications.
Once you have arrived and are settled in your room, a nurse will monitor your vital signs (such as body temperature and blood pressure) and run through your medical history, medications and emergency contacts.
Your doctor will then once again run you through the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form for surgery.
A vitrectomy typically takes between 1 – 2 hours. It is performed under local anaesthetic meaning you are awake but can’t feel any pain. If you are anxious, you could also have sedation, which will help you relax. Alternatively, you do have the option of having general anaesthesia where you will be asleep.
To start the procedure, eye drops will be applied to your eye, which will enlarge the pupil. You will then have an injection around the eye to freeze it so it stays completely still for surgery. An instrument will keep your eye open to prevent you from blinking. After the injection, a firm pressure pad will be placed on your closed eye for around 15 minutes. This will enable the anaesthetic to penetrate the tissues around the eye and completely numb them.
You will lie on your back with your head in a special head-rest throughout the procedure.
Once you are ready, your eye doctor will make a three small cuts in the sclera, which is the white of the eye. One incision is made for a microscopic light source, the second for an instrument that cuts through and removes the vitreous and the third for the replacement substance (such as an air bubble), which will also maintain the pressure in the eye during the operation. Your surgeon will then repair any issues in the eye. Following surgery, the replacement substance in the eye will be absorbed into your body gradually over a period of weeks, giving your eye time to naturally produce its own clear fluid to re-fill the eye.