What are the risks of having a vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy risks: Endophthalmitis (a serious intraocular infection of the eye) is the most concerning, but relatively rare. A retinal detachment, increased intraocular pressure, vitreous hemorrhage, and corneal edema are all possible. The incidence of each can vary depending on underlying problem for which vitrectomy is required.

Talk to your doctor: The retinologist should be able to discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives to vitrectomy before surgery. In general, risks include infection, inflammation, need for further surgery, retinal detachment, failure of vision to improve, and, commonly, cataract development. It often takes months for vision to reach a stable state after vitrectomy. Any questions, please discuss with your surgeon.

Discuss w/ Retina MD: The most common complication from a vitrectomy is progression of cataract. At your age of 44, that may not be a major factor. Other risks that occur less than 5% of the time are retinal detachment, and bleeding. Post-operative infections from vitrectomies are rare. Depending on what the underlying condition is that you have, there may be a risk of disease progression and need for further surgery.