Learn about Vitrectomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Vitrectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is a sophisticated microsurgical procedure performed by a specialized ophthalmologist to treat various disorders of the retina and vitreous humor, the gel-like substance inside the eye. During the surgery, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the sclera (the white of the eye) to insert micro-instruments. Using a high-powered microscope, the vitreous gel is carefully removed (vitrectomy) and may be replaced with a saline solution, gas bubble, or silicone oil to help the retina heal. This procedure is crucial for restoring or preserving vision in conditions like retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and severe eye injuries. It is typically performed under local anesthesia and is considered a major eye surgery requiring precise skill.

Key Highlights

    Directly addresses the source of vision problems within the vitreous and retina.Can prevent permanent vision loss from conditions like retinal detachment.Often allows for simultaneous treatment of multiple issues, such as removing scar tissue or blood.Utilizes advanced microsurgical techniques for minimal invasiveness.Can be combined with other procedures like membrane peeling or laser photocoagulation.High success rate in restoring functional vision for many conditions./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Retinal Detachment, especially when the vitreous is pulling on the retina (tractional).
  • Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment.
  • Macular Hole, a small break in the central part of the retina.
  • Epiretinal Membrane (macular pucker) causing visual distortion.
  • Severe eye injuries with intraocular hemorrhage or foreign bodies.
  • Certain complications of cataract surgery, such as dropped lens fragments.
  • Persistent inflammation (uveitis) or infection (endophthalmitis) inside the eye.
  • To remove abnormal blood vessels or scar tissue.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive eye examination including retinal imaging (OCT, ultrasound).
  • Review of medical history and current medications; may need to temporarily stop blood thinners.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and possibly an ECG based on age and health.
  • Discussion of anesthesia options (typically local with sedation).
  • Arranging for transportation home after the procedure.
  • Instructions on fasting for several hours before surgery.
  • Use of prescribed antibiotic eye drops prior to surgery to reduce infection risk.

Risks & possible complications

  • Cataract formation or acceleration, often requiring later surgery.
  • Increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
  • Retinal detachment or re-detachment.
  • Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), though rare.
  • Bleeding inside the eye (vitreous hemorrhage).
  • Corneal edema (swelling).
  • If a gas bubble is used: temporary vision loss, need to maintain a specific head position, and avoidance of air travel.
  • If silicone oil is used: may require a second surgery for removal and can cause increased pressure or corneal issues.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • An eye patch or shield must be worn, especially while sleeping, for the first few days to a week.
  • Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks.
  • If a gas bubble was inserted, maintaining a specific head position (face-down or on the side) is critical for days to weeks to help the retina heal.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending over, and swimming for 2-4 weeks.
  • Protect the eye from dust, water, and impact. Wear sunglasses outdoors.
  • Vision will be blurry initially and may take weeks to months to stabilize and improve.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for monitoring pressure and healing.
  • Report severe pain, sudden vision loss, or increased redness immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full visual stabilization

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering vitrectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for vitrectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 552 – USD 2,206 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay) ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full visual stabilization Know More
Turkey USD 4,098 – USD 16,391 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay) ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full visual stabilization Know More

Top hospitals for Vitrectomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing vitrectomy.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Navya Shah, a 42-year-old graphic designer...

Navya Shah, a 42-year-old graphic designer and mother of two, had managed her type 1 diabetes diligently since childhood. Over the past year, she noticed increasing 'floaters' and cobweb-like shadows in her vision, followed by sudden, severe blurring in her right eye while reading a bedtime story to her children. Terrified, she saw her ophthalmologist, who diagnosed her with a vitreous hemorrhage and significant diabetic retinopathy. The doctor explained that blood had leaked into the vitreous gel, clouding her vision, and that a vitrectomy was necessary to clear it out and perform laser treatment to prevent further damage. Navya was scared of losing her sight and her ability to work and care for her family. The surgery, performed under local anesthesia, was anxiety-inducing but painless. The recovery involved keeping her head in a specific position for days, which was challenging. However, within weeks, the cloudiness cleared dramatically. While her vision isn't perfect due to the underlying retinopathy, the terrifying shadows are gone. She feels a profound sense of relief and renewed vigilance, channeling her fear into even stricter diabetes management and regular check-ups to protect her sight.

Ophthalmologists for Vitrectomy

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform vitrectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated