- Residual or rebleeding within the eye. This occurs commonly but usually self-clears from the eye, and much more rapidly than before surgery. I perform additional steps in the operation to maximise the chances of self-clearing of any recurrent bleeds.
- Retinal detachment. The risk of this is less than 1% but would require further vitrectomy surgery, and may result in worse vision.
- 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 inmajority of patients within 2 years of initial vitrectomy surgery. When cataract surgery is performed, this also provides an opportunity for correcting any pre-existing refractive error such as short-sightedness.
- 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 benefits of this sight-saving surgery .
- Significantly worse vision after the vitrectomy (losing 2 or more lines on Snellenreading chart). This is unlikely, occurring in between 8-15% of patients.
- Risks of laser treatment (see laser FAQs)
- High or low eye pressure after the operation
- Inflammation in the eye which is usually tread 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
- Pupil size and focussing – rarely, the pupil can remain larger on the treated side, even after stopping eye drops given after surgery. This can affect focussing and you could be sensitive to bright light. This usually almost completely recovers within several months following surgery