- Retinal re-detachment. The risk of this is 5-10% if you have an uncomplicated primary retinal detachment without PVR scarring (see success rates). Re-detachment would require further surgery
- Cataract development. This is where the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy, secondary to the vitrectomy with gas or oil insertion. Cataract surgery is required in the majority of patients within 2 years of initial vitrectomy surgery. This is much less common if scleral buckling is performed. When cataract surgery is performed, this also provides an opportunity for correcting any pre-existing refractive error such as short-sightedness which is common in patients with retinal detachment.
- Blindness in the affected eye due to post-operative infection or bleeding during the operation. The risk of this is extremely low (< 1 in 1000 cases) and is far outweighed by the very high risk of blindness if you do not proceed with sight-saving surgery.
- High or low eye pressure after the operation
- Inflammation in the eye which is usually treated with drops
- Temporary bruising and swelling around the eyelids
- Lid drooping which may very rarely persist
- Possible allergy to drops
- Double vision which is usually temporary
- Epiretinal membrane formation which may require surgery