Surgery for the repair of a FTMH is called vitrectomy. I exclusively use the latest generation micro-incisional keyhole surgical equipment to perform this operation. Through just 3 tiny incisions, each only approximately 0.5mm in length, the vitreous gel is delicately removed from the eye allowing access to the FTMH. Using very delicate (eg photo of instruments next to a coin etc?? ) forceps, a very fine retinal membrane which is only 1/400th of a millimetre thick is gently lifted and peeled from around the FTMH. This is the most critical and delicate part of the procedure. I then perform a very detailed and thorough search for any tears in your retina that can rarely form during the procedure and treat these as required. Following this, a gas bubble is injected into the eye which naturally absorbs over a period of a 2-8 weeks, depending on which gas was used in your operation (see gas in the eye FAQ). Removing the vitreous gel and retinal membrane, in combination with gas injection allow the FTMH to close. Because the incisions required using this specialised keyhole equipment are so small, sutures will not be required in most cases. Routine surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic and can be performed in as little 20-40 minutes. If you feel you will be very anxious during the procedure, I have access to an excellent team of private anaesthetists who will be able to administer additional sedation or even general anaesthesia as required, in order to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. (See anaesthesia options FAQ)