What is Vitreo-Retinal surgery?

Vitreo-Retinal eye surgery refers to a group of advanced, highly delicate procedures inside the eye’s interior with lasers or conventional surgical instruments. The surgery is performed in the part of your eye where the vitreous and retina are located.

Various vitreo-retinal surgical and laser approaches can restore, preserve and enhance vision for many eye conditions such as a macular hole, floaters and epiretinal membrane.

What is involved in Vitrectomy surgery (removal of floaters)?

Floaters tend to be more frequent in short-sighted people or as we get older. Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vitreous gel is removed from inside your eye. The operation is done through openings in your eye, using keyhole surgery. Sometimes these openings are closed with a small stitch at the end of the operation. These dissolve after 4 to 6 weeks. You will usually have a pad and shield over your eye after the operation. This is removed the next day

What is involved in macular hole surgery?

Surgery is usually performed under a local anaesthetic with sedation During the operation, the surgeon removes the gel from inside your eye, called vitreous. They also peel a membrane called the inner limiting membrane (ILM) that may be pulling on the retina. A bubble of gas is put inside your eye to encourage the macular hole to close. The operation is done through openings in your eye, using keyhole surgery. Sometimes these openings are closed with a small stitch at the end of the operation. These dissolve after 4 to 6 weeks.

What is involved in the Epiretinal Membrane?

Surgery to remove an epiretinal membrane is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation During the operation, the surgeon removes the vitreous gel from inside your eye and gently removes the epiretinal membrane from the retina. This is all done through very small openings in your eye, using keyhole surgery. Sometimes these openings are closed with a small stitch at the end of the operation. These dissolve after about 4 to 6 weeks. You will usually have a pad and shield over your eye after the operation. This is removed the next day.

The Edinburgh Clinic has invested in a new private comprehensive surgical vitreo-retinal service, the first of its kind in the East of Scotland. This facility is offered by a team of very experienced, Edinburgh based, vitreo-retinal eye consultants who also hold major NHS teaching hospital Consultant positions locally.

We offer an all-inclusive self-pay package for Vitreo-retinal surgery starting from £ 4,750 (terms and conditions apply). For more information and eligibility criteria, speak to one of our self-pay advisors by calling 0131 516 7277.