A vitrectomy is a sophisticated, vision-saving procedure involving the surgical removal of the vitreous, a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. Vitrectomy surgery, performed at the Cottage Eye and Laser Center, treats retinal patients who might otherwise lose vision without this technique.

If you have complications from diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, retinal detachment, pre-retinal membrane fibrosis, bleeding inside the eye, eye injury, infection, or problems related to previous eye surgery, you may require a vitrectomy.

Vitrectomy may require an overnight hospital stay, but it is most often done as outpatient surgery. The procedure lasts two to three hours and is typically performed under local anesthesia.