{"id":1915,"date":"2026-10-20T08:53:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/retina-surgery-turkey\/vitrectomy\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T15:50:27","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T15:50:27","slug":"vitrectomy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/vitrectomy\/","title":{"rendered":"Vitrectomy"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home: eye surgery in Istanbul<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/treatments\/\">All eye treatments<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/\">Retina surgery: vitrectomy &#038; retinal detachment<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Vitrectomy<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Vitrectomy: Keyhole Retina Surgery in Istanbul<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 phero-lead\" data-hero-in>Vitrectomy is keyhole surgery inside the eye: the surgeon removes the clear jelly (the vitreous) so they can repair the retina behind it. In Istanbul, vitrectomy with Laser Istanbul Clinic is planned and performed by <strong>Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/strong> (Do\u00e7. = Associate Professor) <strong>or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/strong>. You know your surgeon before you book, you see the full price in writing, and a personal interpreter stays with you at every appointment.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"phero-ctas\" data-hero-in><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Send your scans for a free surgeon review<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp us: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div><ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon}}<\/span> \u00b7 Last reviewed <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/retina-surgery-retinal-scan.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Retina scan showing the optic nerve and blood vessels\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/retina-surgery-retinal-scan.webp 590w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/retina-surgery-retinal-scan-201x300.webp 201w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>A vitrectomy (pars plana vitrectomy) removes the vitreous gel through openings less than 1 mm wide so the surgeon can treat a macular hole, an epiretinal membrane, bleeding inside the eye, diabetic scar tissue or a retinal detachment. It is usually done under local anaesthetic and often takes 30\u201360 minutes. If a gas bubble is used, you cannot fly until it has gone. In Istanbul, Do\u00e7. Dr. \u00d6zer or Op. Dr. Bayram perform it from <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price}}<\/span> per eye; hotel and transfers are extra.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-is-a-vitrectomy\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What is a vitrectomy?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose sec-pre\"><p data-reveal><strong>A vitrectomy is an operation to remove the vitreous, the clear jelly that fills the back of the eye, so that a surgeon can reach and treat the retina.<\/strong> The retina is the light-sensitive layer lining the inside of the eye, and the vitreous sits directly in front of it. When the jelly is cloudy with blood, or when it pulls on the retina, removing it is often the only way to restore or protect vision.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>The full name is <strong>pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)<\/strong>. The pars plana is a narrow band of the eye wall just behind the coloured iris; according to EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology), the instruments go in 3\u20134 mm from the edge of the cornea, a spot where they can enter without touching the retina or the lens.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Is the vitreous needed?<\/strong> Not for sight once the eye is fully grown. During the operation the gel is replaced with a clear saline solution, and at the end the surgeon may leave a bubble of air, gas or silicone oil inside the eye to hold the retina in position while it heals.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">How vitrectomy works, step by step<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><ol data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Three tiny ports are placed in the white of the eye.<\/strong> EyeWiki describes the standard &#8220;3-port&#8221; set-up: one for an infusion line that keeps the eye&#8217;s pressure stable, one for a fibre-optic light, and one for the vitrectomy cutter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The vitreous is removed.<\/strong> The cutter is a miniature probe that cuts and aspirates the gel; modern cutters run at 10,000 cuts per minute or more, which lets the surgeon work very close to the retina.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The retina is treated.<\/strong> Depending on your condition, the surgeon peels a membrane or the thin inner layer of the retina, clears blood, removes scar tissue, flattens a detached retina or seals tears with laser.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The eye is filled.<\/strong> The space is left with saline, or filled with air, a longer-lasting gas or silicone oil (a &#8220;tamponade&#8221;).<\/li>\n<li><strong>The ports are removed.<\/strong> With modern small-gauge instruments the openings are usually self-sealing, so stitches are often not needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">Vitrectomy technology: what &#8220;gauge&#8221; means<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>Vitrectomy instruments are sized by gauge: the higher the number, the thinner the instrument. Small-gauge systems use trocar cannulas that EyeWiki describes as sutureless, with less discomfort and shorter operating times.<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Gauge<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Instrument diameter<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Usually<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">20-gauge<\/th><td data-label=\"Instrument diameter\">0.9 mm<\/td><td data-label=\"Usually\">Older standard; incisions closed with stitches<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">23-gauge<\/th><td data-label=\"Instrument diameter\">0.6 mm<\/td><td data-label=\"Usually\">Small-gauge, usually sutureless<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">25-gauge<\/th><td data-label=\"Instrument diameter\">0.5 mm<\/td><td data-label=\"Usually\">Small-gauge, usually sutureless<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">27-gauge<\/th><td data-label=\"Instrument diameter\">0.4 mm<\/td><td data-label=\"Usually\">Smallest common size (introduced in 2010)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal>Wide-angle viewing systems now let the surgeon see up to about 130 degrees of the retina during surgery. The operation itself has a long track record: Robert Machemer performed the first closed-system vitrectomy in 1971, and the modern three-port technique dates from 1974.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Technology we use:<\/strong> <span class=\"ph\">{{vitrectomy system name and gauges used, e.g. &#8220;23\/25\/27-gauge&#8221;}}<\/span>, a wide-angle viewing system, endolaser and <span class=\"ph\">{{tamponade options available: air \/ SF6 \/ C2F6 \/ C3F8 \/ silicone oil}}<\/span>, in a fully equipped, Ministry of Health\u2013licensed operating theatre in Istanbul.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"why-is-a-vitrectomy-done-conditions-it-treats\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Why is a vitrectomy done? Conditions it treats<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal><strong>Vitrectomy is done when a problem in the vitreous or on the surface of the retina cannot be treated from outside the eye.<\/strong> EyeWiki and the AAO list these as the main reasons:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Condition<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What is wrong<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What the vitrectomy does<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Macular hole<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">A small full-thickness hole in the macula, the centre of the retina used for reading and faces<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Removes the gel and peels the retina&#8217;s inner surface; a gas bubble helps the hole close<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Epiretinal membrane<\/strong> (macular pucker)<\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">A thin film of scar tissue wrinkles the macula, distorting and blurring vision<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Removes the gel, then peels the membrane off the retina<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Vitreomacular traction<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">The gel stays stuck to the macula and pulls on it<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Releases the pull<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Vitreous haemorrhage<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">Blood fills the gel and blocks vision<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Clears the blood and treats its cause, often with laser<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Proliferative diabetic retinopathy<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">Abnormal vessels bleed and scar tissue pulls on the retina (tractional detachment)<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Removes blood and scar tissue, flattens the retina, adds laser<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Retinal detachment<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">The retina has come away from the back of the eye<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Removes the pulling gel, reattaches the retina, seals tears; gas or oil holds it<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Endophthalmitis<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">Infection inside the eye<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Removes infected gel and allows antibiotics to work<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Cataract surgery complications<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">A dislocated lens implant or fragments of the natural lens in the vitreous<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Retrieves or repositions them<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Eye injury<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">Bleeding, retinal damage or a foreign body inside the eye<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">Repairs the damage and removes the object<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Silicone oil removal<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"What is wrong\">Oil left after earlier surgery<\/td><td data-label=\"What the vitrectomy does\">A second, usually shorter, operation removes it<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Diabetic bleeding: when is surgery needed?<\/strong> The NEI says a vitrectomy may be recommended &#8220;if your retina is bleeding a lot or you have a lot of scars in your eye&#8221;. According to EyeWiki, proliferative diabetic retinopathy is one of the commonest causes of vitreous haemorrhage. In someone with known diabetic retinopathy who has already had laser treatment, waiting 3 to 6 months for the blood to clear may be reasonable; a new, dense bleed of unknown cause, or one with a retinal tear or detachment seen on an ultrasound scan, needs prompt vitrectomy. Many surgeons give an anti-VEGF injection 1\u20137 days before diabetic vitrectomy to shrink abnormal vessels and reduce bleeding.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/intravitreal-injection\/\">Intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF eye injections) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Can vitrectomy remove floaters?<\/strong> Sometimes, but rarely. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that severe floaters can be removed surgically, &#8220;but this has risks and is seldom necessary or recommended&#8221;. Most floaters fade or become less noticeable. A sudden shower of new floaters or flashes is different: it can signal a retinal tear and needs an eye examination the same day.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/retinal-detachment\/\">Retinal detachment surgery: symptoms, operations and recovery <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"vitrectomy-among-the-main-types-of-eye-surgery\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy among the main types of eye surgery<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Eye operations fall into a few broad groups depending on which part of the eye they treat. Vitrectomy is the core operation of <strong>retina surgery<\/strong>, the most delicate group:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Type of eye surgery<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Part of the eye<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Examples<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Laser vision correction<\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\">Cornea (front window)<\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\">LASIK, SMILE, PRK<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Lens surgery<\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\">Natural lens<\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\">Cataract surgery, lens replacement<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal surgery<\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\">Cornea<\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\">Cross-linking, corneal transplant<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Glaucoma surgery<\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\">Drainage system<\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\">Laser, stents, trabeculectomy<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Retina surgery<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\"><strong>Vitreous and retina<\/strong><\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\"><strong>Vitrectomy<\/strong>, scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, retinal laser<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Eyelid and squint surgery<\/th><td data-label=\"Part of the eye\">Lids and eye muscles<\/td><td data-label=\"Examples\">Blepharoplasty, strabismus surgery<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal>Not every retina problem needs a vitrectomy. Retinal tears without detachment are usually sealed with laser in the clinic, wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular swelling are treated with injections, and some detachments are repaired with a buckle or a gas injection alone.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/argon-laser\/\">Argon laser (retinal laser photocoagulation) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"who-is-a-candidate-for-vitrectomy-and-when-should-you-not-tr\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"603\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Eye examination at a slit lamp\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination.webp 603w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/slit-lamp-eye-examination-268x300.webp 268w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Who is a candidate for vitrectomy, and when should you not travel?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 lede\" data-reveal><strong>You may be a candidate for vitrectomy if a retina specialist has found a condition from the table above that is affecting your vision or is likely to.<\/strong> Your surgeon decides only after examining your retina and reviewing your scans. The key tests are:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><ul data-reveal>\n<li>a dilated retinal examination of both eyes<\/li>\n<li>an <strong>OCT scan<\/strong>, which shows the layers of the macula in cross-section and measures holes, membranes and swelling<\/li>\n<li>a <strong>B-scan ultrasound<\/strong> if blood or a dense cataract blocks the view of the retina<\/li>\n<li>eye pressure, lens status (whether you have had cataract surgery) and your general health, especially diabetes control and blood-thinning medicines<\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/oct-scan\/\">OCT scan (optical coherence tomography): what it shows <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Planned vitrectomy suits travel well.<\/strong> A macular hole, an epiretinal membrane, a non-clearing haemorrhage, diabetic scar tissue or silicone-oil removal is usually scheduled in advance, which gives time to send your scans, plan your dates and arrange to stay until you are allowed to fly.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>When not to travel.<\/strong> If you suddenly notice new floaters, flashes, a dark curtain across your vision or a sudden drop in sight, the NHS advises an urgent eye assessment; do not delay to travel for treatment. A retinal detachment that threatens the centre of your vision, or an infection inside the eye, should be treated where you are, straight away. If you are already in Turkey, message us and we will arrange an urgent retina examination <span class=\"ph\">{{urgent appointment availability}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Before any vitrectomy,<\/strong> tell your surgeon about all your medicines (especially blood thinners), diabetes, previous eye surgery and whether you have flights booked, because a gas bubble changes your travel plans.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tools\/amsler-grid-test\/\">Check your central vision with the Amsler grid test <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"the-vitrectomy-gas-bubble-silicone-oil-and-flying\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>The vitrectomy gas bubble, silicone oil and flying<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal><strong>If your surgeon leaves gas in your eye, you must not fly, travel to high altitude or have nitrous oxide anaesthesia until the bubble has completely gone.<\/strong> At altitude the gas expands and can raise the eye pressure enough to cause severe pain and permanent loss of sight. This rule, more than the surgery itself, decides how long you need to stay in Istanbul.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Tamponade<\/th><th scope=\"col\">How long it usually lasts<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Flying<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Saline only (no bubble)<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">No bubble to wait for<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Once your surgeon has checked the eye<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Air<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">Up to about 2 weeks<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Not until it has gone<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">SF6 gas<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">2\u20134 weeks<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Not until it has gone<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">C2F6 gas<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">4\u20138 weeks<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Not until it has gone<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">C3F8 gas<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">6\u201312 weeks<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Not until it has gone<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Silicone oil<\/th><td data-label=\"How long it usually lasts\">Stays until it is removed in a second operation<\/td><td data-label=\"Flying\">Usually after about 2 weeks, only with your surgeon&#8217;s agreement<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"note-sm\" data-reveal>Durations from NHS vitreoretinal patient guidance and EyeWiki; your surgeon tells you which tamponade your eye needs and why.<\/p><p data-reveal><strong>What you see through the bubble.<\/strong> Vision is very blurred while the eye is full of gas. As it is absorbed you see a wobbling line, like a spirit level, which moves lower until the bubble disappears.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Face-down positioning.<\/strong> After macular hole surgery, and after some detachment repairs, you may be asked to keep your head in a set position so the bubble presses on the right spot. NHS guidance for macular holes typically means face-down for 3 to 7 days, for 45\u201350 minutes of every hour during the day. Positioning is not always needed: in the studies summarised by EyeWiki, holes smaller than 400 microns closed in 96% of eyes without face-down positioning and 100% with it, while for larger holes the figures were 84% and 94%. Your surgeon tells you whether you need to posture, and for how long.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Nitrous oxide warning.<\/strong> Tell any doctor, dentist or anaesthetist that you have gas in your eye. Nitrous oxide (&#8220;laughing gas&#8221;) makes the bubble expand dangerously. You will be given a wristband or card to show.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"vitrectomy-cost-in-istanbul\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy cost in Istanbul<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal><strong>At Laser Istanbul Clinic, vitrectomy starts from <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price}}<\/span> per eye.<\/strong> The final price depends on the condition being treated, the tamponade (gas or silicone oil), whether a membrane peel, laser or combined cataract surgery is needed, and whether a second operation to remove oil is planned. Your surgeon confirms the price in writing after reviewing your scans, before you book anything.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><p data-reveal><strong>Typical published prices for vitrectomy, per eye (2025\u201326):<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Where<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Typical price range<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">UK, private<\/th><td data-label=\"Typical price range\">about $8,000\u201313,400<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">USA<\/th><td data-label=\"Typical price range\">about $8,000\u201314,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Istanbul (published package prices)<\/th><td data-label=\"Typical price range\">about $3,200\u20136,500<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>Istanbul with Laser Istanbul Clinic<\/strong><\/th><td data-label=\"Typical price range\"><strong>from <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price}}<\/span><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"note-sm\" data-reveal>Typical ranges advertised by clinics and price-comparison sites in 2025\u201326, not quotes. Published Istanbul prices are often packages that include a hotel.<\/p><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Your treatment price includes:<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>full retina examination and scans (including OCT, and ultrasound if needed) with your surgeon<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>vitrectomy by your named surgeon<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>medication and eye drops for your recovery<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>follow-up checks in Istanbul with the same surgeon<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>a personal interpreter, a dedicated coordinator and remote follow-up after you return home<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Not included:<\/strong> flights, hotel and airport transfers. Hotel and transfers are a separate charge, and we can arrange them for you if you ask. If your eye needs a gas bubble, plan and budget for a longer stay. If silicone oil needs to be removed later, that second operation is <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 oil removal price}}<\/span>.<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-surgery-packages\/\">Eye surgery packages: what&#039;s included (hotel and transfers extra) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Team (Surgeon cards: 2 surgeons) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"your-vitrectomy-surgeons\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Your vitrectomy surgeons<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"sg-grid two row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-2\"><div class=\"col\"><a class=\"sg-card h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/\" data-reveal><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"294\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-294x300.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-294x300.webp 294w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-768x784.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul.webp 790w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px\" \/><span class=\"sg-body\"><b>Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/b><span class=\"sg-spec\">Retina (medical and surgical) \u00b7 uveitis \u00b7 ocular oncology \u00b7 cornea and keratoconus \u00b7 cataract<\/span><span class=\"sg-bio\">Do\u00e7. Dr. \u00d6zer trained at Istanbul University&#8217;s Faculty of Medicine and became an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology in 2021. He holds the FICO qualification of the International Council of Ophthalmology and has 27 papers listed on PubMed. He is the surgeon patients see for complex retina and eye-inflammation problems. He speaks Turkish and English.<\/span><span class=\"sg-go\">Read more <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"col\"><a class=\"sg-card h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/\" data-reveal><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><span class=\"sg-body\"><b>Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/b><span class=\"sg-spec\">Retinal disease \u00b7 cataract surgery \u00b7 laser eye surgery<\/span><span class=\"sg-bio\">Op. Dr. Bayram has been an ophthalmology specialist since 1999, after studying medicine at Trakya University and specialist training at Y\u00fcz\u00fcnc\u00fc Y\u0131l University. Her focus includes the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disease. She speaks English, and patients who prefer a female surgeon can ask for her.<\/span><span class=\"sg-go\">Meet our eye surgeons <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Team (Surgeon cards: 2 surgeons) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Process (Numbered list) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"your-vitrectomy-journey-step-by-step\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Your vitrectomy journey, step by step<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<ol class=\"num-list\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Send your scans<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Upload your eye report, OCT images, ultrasound and a list of your medicines. Our retina surgeon replies within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span> with an opinion, the likely operation and a written quote.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Plan your dates<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Allow <span class=\"ph\">{{typical stay}}<\/span> in Istanbul. If a gas bubble is likely, plan to stay until you are cleared to fly; your surgeon explains the options for your eye before you book.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Retina examination (day 1)<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dilated examination, OCT, ultrasound if needed, eye pressure and a check of the other eye. Your surgeon confirms the plan, explains the risks in writing and answers your questions through your interpreter.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Surgery<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most vitrectomies are done under local anaesthetic: the eye is numbed and you are awake but comfortable. The operation often takes 30 to 60 minutes, and longer for complex diabetic or detachment surgery. You go back to your hotel the same day with a pad and shield over the eye.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Positioning and drops<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you have gas in your eye, follow the positioning your surgeon gives you. You use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, and sometimes pressure-lowering drops.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Checks in Istanbul<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your surgeon checks your eye the next day and again before you leave, and tells you when it is safe to fly.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li><div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Home and remote follow-up<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Your coordinator stays in touch and your surgeon reviews your progress by video. We send a written report for your eye doctor at home.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\t\t<div class=\"sec-foot-flow prose\"><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/how-it-works\/\">How it works: from WhatsApp to surgery to home <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Process (Numbered list) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Process (Timeline) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"vitrectomy-recovery-what-to-expect\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy recovery: what to expect<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal><strong>Most eyes heal in two to six weeks after vitrectomy, and vision can keep improving for many months, sometimes up to a year.<\/strong> How fast you recover depends mainly on why you had the operation and whether gas was used.<\/p>\n\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol class=\"timeline\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>First day<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Pad and shield on the eye. Vision is very blurred if there is a gas bubble; this is normal.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>First 1\u20132 weeks<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A scratchy, gritty feeling is common and usually settles within 7\u201314 days. Use your drops exactly as prescribed and wear the shield at night. Position if advised.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>2 weeks<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Most people need at least two weeks off work, longer for physical jobs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>2\u20136 weeks<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The eye heals and redness fades. A gas bubble shrinks and disappears (2\u201312 weeks depending on the gas).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>3\u20136 months<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>After epiretinal membrane surgery, vision gradually improves in 70\u201380% of patients over this period.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>Up to a year<\/b>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Vision after macular hole surgery can keep improving for many months. A new glasses prescription often helps once the eye has settled.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ol>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Things to avoid after vitrectomy:<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>flying, mountain travel, scuba diving and nitrous oxide while there is gas in the eye<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>driving while there is a gas bubble in the eye, and until your surgeon confirms your vision meets the driving standard<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until your surgeon allows it; gentle walking is fine<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>rubbing the eye, and soapy water in the eye when you wash<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p data-reveal>Reading and watching TV do not harm the eye. Call your coordinator straight away if you have severe pain, increasing redness, or a sudden drop in vision.<\/p>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Process (Timeline) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"vitrectomy-risks-and-success-rates\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy risks and success rates<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal><strong>Vitrectomy is usually successful, but it is major eye surgery and the risks are real.<\/strong> The figures below come from NHS patient guidance for the two most common planned vitrectomies and from EyeWiki.<\/p><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Success rates<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Macular hole:<\/strong> around 90\u201395% of holes close after one operation.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Epiretinal membrane:<\/strong> vision gradually improves over three to six months in 70\u201380% of patients.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Retinal detachment:<\/strong> one operation reattaches the retina in about 85\u201390% of eyes (see our <a href=\"\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/retinal-detachment\/\">retinal detachment surgery<\/a> page).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>Cataract: the most likely side effect.<\/strong> If you still have your natural lens, a cataract is very likely to develop in the operated eye; a 2023 review reports cataract in about 72% of eyes after modern small-gauge vitrectomy. It is treated with routine cataract surgery when it affects your vision.<\/p><div class=\"list-card\" data-reveal><h3>Other risks (macular hole surgery figures):<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Retinal detachment<\/strong> after the operation: about 1 to 2 in 100 people<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis):<\/strong> about 1 in 2,000<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Vision worse than before:<\/strong> fewer than 1 in 50<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Macular hole not closing:<\/strong> about 5\u201310%, sometimes needing a second operation<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><p data-reveal><strong>After epiretinal membrane surgery,<\/strong> NHS guidance gives a 2\u20135% chance of reduced vision and a 1 in 1,000 chance of total loss of vision in that eye. Estimates of the membrane coming back range from about 1% (EyeWiki) to about 10% (NHS guidance).<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Also possible:<\/strong> raised eye pressure, bleeding inside the eye, swelling of the macula (cystoid macular oedema), low eye pressure, retinal tears during surgery, and inflammation or bruising of the eye and eyelids.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Your surgeon explains your personal risks in writing and through your interpreter before you sign anything. Tell any eye doctor in future that you have had a vitrectomy.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a1\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q1\">What is a vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>A vitrectomy is keyhole surgery that removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye so the surgeon can treat the retina. It is used for macular holes, epiretinal membranes, bleeding inside the eye, diabetic scar tissue, retinal detachment and infection. The gel is replaced with saline, and sometimes with a gas or oil bubble.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a2\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q2\">Is a vitrectomy major surgery? Am I awake?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It is a delicate operation inside the eye, but you do not stay in hospital and the openings are tiny. Most vitrectomies are done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake but your eye is numb and you feel no pain. General anaesthetic is sometimes used for longer or complex operations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a3\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q3\">How long does a vitrectomy take?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>A straightforward vitrectomy, such as for a macular hole, often takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Complex diabetic or detachment surgery can take longer; the AAO says surgery can take from one to several hours. You go home the same day.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a4\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q4\">How long is recovery after vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The eye usually heals in two to six weeks, and most people need at least two weeks off work. Vision can keep improving for months, sometimes up to a year. If you have a gas bubble, vision stays blurred until it is absorbed.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a5\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q5\">When can I fly after a vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Not while there is any gas in your eye: depending on the gas, that is about 2 to 12 weeks. With silicone oil, flying is usually possible after about 2 weeks with your surgeon&#8217;s agreement. If only saline was used, you can fly once your surgeon has checked the eye.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a6\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q6\">Do I have to lie face down after vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Only if your surgeon asks you to. Face-down positioning is most often used after macular hole surgery, typically for 3 to 7 days for 45\u201350 minutes of every hour. For smaller macular holes, studies show high closure rates without strict face-down positioning, so your surgeon decides case by case.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a7\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q7\">Will I get a cataract after vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>If you still have your natural lens, it is very likely: a 2023 review found cataract in about 72% of eyes after modern small-gauge vitrectomy. Cataract surgery afterwards is routine and usually restores the clarity lost to the cataract.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a8\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q8\">Can vitrectomy remove eye floaters?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q8\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>It can, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology says surgery for floaters has risks and is seldom necessary or recommended. Most floaters become less noticeable with time. A sudden increase in floaters or new flashes needs an eye examination the same day.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a9\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q9\">What are the risks of vitrectomy?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a9\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q9\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The commonest is cataract. NHS guidance for macular hole surgery gives a retinal detachment risk of about 1 to 2 in 100, infection about 1 in 2,000 and vision worse than before in fewer than 1 in 50. Your surgeon explains your personal risks before you decide.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a10\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q10\">How much does a vitrectomy cost in Turkey?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a10\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q10\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Published prices for vitrectomy in Istanbul are about $3,200\u20136,500 per eye, compared with about $8,000\u201314,000 privately in the UK or USA. With Laser Istanbul Clinic it starts from <span class=\"ph\">{{\u00a3 price}}<\/span> per eye, including examination and scans, surgery, medication, follow-up checks, interpreter and coordinator. Hotel and transfers are extra.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-38253fea-a11\" id=\"faq-38253fea-q11\">Who performs vitrectomy at Laser Istanbul Clinic?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-38253fea-a11\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-38253fea-q11\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Vitrectomy is performed by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology whose work covers medical and surgical retina, or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram, whose focus includes retinal disease. You know your surgeon&#8217;s name before you book.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A vitrectomy is keyhole surgery that removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye so the surgeon can treat the retina. It is used for macular holes, epiretinal membranes, bleeding inside the eye, diabetic scar tissue, retinal detachment and infection. The gel is replaced with saline, and sometimes with a gas or oil bubble.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is a vitrectomy major surgery? Am I awake?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It is a delicate operation inside the eye, but you do not stay in hospital and the openings are tiny. Most vitrectomies are done under local anaesthetic, so you are awake but your eye is numb and you feel no pain. General anaesthetic is sometimes used for longer or complex operations.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does a vitrectomy take?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A straightforward vitrectomy, such as for a macular hole, often takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Complex diabetic or detachment surgery can take longer; the AAO says surgery can take from one to several hours. You go home the same day.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long is recovery after vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The eye usually heals in two to six weeks, and most people need at least two weeks off work. Vision can keep improving for months, sometimes up to a year. If you have a gas bubble, vision stays blurred until it is absorbed.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When can I fly after a vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not while there is any gas in your eye: depending on the gas, that is about 2 to 12 weeks. With silicone oil, flying is usually possible after about 2 weeks with your surgeon's agreement. If only saline was used, you can fly once your surgeon has checked the eye.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I have to lie face down after vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Only if your surgeon asks you to. Face-down positioning is most often used after macular hole surgery, typically for 3 to 7 days for 45\u201350 minutes of every hour. For smaller macular holes, studies show high closure rates without strict face-down positioning, so your surgeon decides case by case.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Will I get a cataract after vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you still have your natural lens, it is very likely: a 2023 review found cataract in about 72% of eyes after modern small-gauge vitrectomy. Cataract surgery afterwards is routine and usually restores the clarity lost to the cataract.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can vitrectomy remove eye floaters?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It can, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology says surgery for floaters has risks and is seldom necessary or recommended. Most floaters become less noticeable with time. A sudden increase in floaters or new flashes needs an eye examination the same day.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the risks of vitrectomy?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The commonest is cataract. NHS guidance for macular hole surgery gives a retinal detachment risk of about 1 to 2 in 100, infection about 1 in 2,000 and vision worse than before in fewer than 1 in 50. Your surgeon explains your personal risks before you decide.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much does a vitrectomy cost in Turkey?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Published prices for vitrectomy in Istanbul are about $3,200\u20136,500 per eye, compared with about $8,000\u201314,000 privately in the UK or USA. With Laser Istanbul Clinic it starts from {{\u00a3 price}} per eye, including examination and scans, surgery, medication, follow-up checks, interpreter and coordinator. Hotel and transfers are extra.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Who performs vitrectomy at Laser Istanbul Clinic?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Vitrectomy is performed by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer, an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology whose work covers medical and surgical retina, or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram, whose focus includes retinal disease. You know your surgeon's name before you book.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Centred action) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-our-retina-patients-say\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What our retina patients say<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"review-slots\">\n\t\t<article class=\"rev\" data-reveal><div class=\"rev-head\"><span class=\"stars\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"5 out of 5 stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span> <b>M\u00fcge A., T\u00fcrkiye<\/b><\/div><p class=\"rev-meta\">Retina surgery \u00b7 Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer \u00b7 January 2025<\/p><blockquote class=\"t22\">We met Dr. Derda after the lens dropped following a cataract operation performed by another doctor. He successfully performed a very risky vitrectomy operation. In my mother&#8217;s words, he has a very light touch and is a magnificent surgeon.<\/blockquote><p class=\"rev-source\">Source: WUPDoc \u00b7 translated from Turkish<\/p><\/article><article class=\"rev\" data-reveal><div class=\"rev-head\"><span class=\"stars\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"5 out of 5 stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span> <b>Thomas K., United Kingdom<\/b><\/div><p class=\"rev-meta\">Retina surgery \u00b7 Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer \u00b7 March 2025<\/p><blockquote class=\"t22\">I went to Dr Derda for emergency surgery for a detached retina. He saw me immediately, diagnosed me, and fully explained my options. The surgery was painless and efficient, and I am very happy with my follow up treatment. I fully recommend Dr Derda and his team.<\/blockquote><p class=\"rev-source\">Source: WUPDoc<\/p><\/article>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"center-cta\" data-reveal><div class=\"links-row\"><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/reviews\/\">Patient reviews and video stories <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Centred action) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a light section) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"vitrectomy-and-other-retina-treatments\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy and other retina treatments<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12\"><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Vitrectomy is one of several retina treatments. These are the ones most often discussed alongside it:<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow sec-pre-wide\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\"><\/th><th scope=\"col\">Vitrectomy<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Argon laser (photocoagulation)<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Intravitreal injections<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Retinal detachment surgery<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Treats<\/th><td data-label=\"Vitrectomy\">Macular hole, epiretinal membrane, bleeding inside the eye, diabetic scar tissue, detachment<\/td><td data-label=\"Argon laser (photocoagulation)\">Retinal tears and lattice before detachment; diabetic retinopathy<\/td><td data-label=\"Intravitreal injections\">Wet AMD, diabetic macular oedema, vein occlusion<\/td><td data-label=\"Retinal detachment surgery\">Detached retina (vitrectomy, buckle or gas injection)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Where it is done<\/th><td data-label=\"Vitrectomy\">Operating theatre<\/td><td data-label=\"Argon laser (photocoagulation)\">Clinic, minutes<\/td><td data-label=\"Intravitreal injections\">Clinic, minutes<\/td><td data-label=\"Retinal detachment surgery\">Operating theatre<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Recovery<\/th><td data-label=\"Vitrectomy\">2\u20136 weeks; longer stay if a gas bubble is used<\/td><td data-label=\"Argon laser (photocoagulation)\">A day or two<\/td><td data-label=\"Intravitreal injections\">Same day; repeated doses<\/td><td data-label=\"Retinal detachment surgery\">2\u20136 weeks; longer stay if a gas bubble is used<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"features four row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-eye\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Retinal detachment surgery<\/h3><p>How detachments are repaired with vitrectomy, a scleral buckle or a gas injection, and what recovery looks like.<\/p><a class=\"feat-go\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/retinal-detachment\/\">Retinal detachment surgery <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Argon laser for retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy<\/h3><p>Seals a torn retina before it detaches and treats abnormal diabetic vessels, often avoiding surgery.<\/p><a class=\"feat-go\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/argon-laser\/\">Argon laser (retinal laser photocoagulation) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-clock\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Anti-VEGF eye injections<\/h3><p>For wet macular degeneration and diabetic macular swelling, and sometimes given before diabetic vitrectomy.<\/p><a class=\"feat-go\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/intravitreal-injection\/\">Intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF eye injections) <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Macular degeneration<\/h3><p>Injections for wet AMD and the Scharioth macula lens for advanced dry AMD.<\/p><a class=\"feat-go\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/retina-surgery-turkey\/macular-degeneration\/\">Macular degeneration treatment and the Scharioth macula lens <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a light section) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Related pages) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"related-tools\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Related tools<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<ul class=\"pg-links row row-cols-1 row-cols-sm-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tools\/amsler-grid-test\/\"><span>Amsler grid test (macular check)<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/oct-scan\/\"><span>OCT scan (optical coherence tomography)<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Related pages) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology), <em>Pars Plana Vitrectomy<\/em>: history (Kasner 1969, Machemer closed system 1971, three-port system 1974, 27-gauge 2010); pars plana entry 3\u20134 mm from the limbus; 3-port set-up (infusion, illumination, cutter); cut rates up to and exceeding 10,000 per minute; gauge diameters (20 = 0.9 mm, 23 = 0.6 mm, 25 = 0.5 mm, 27 = 0.4 mm); sutureless trocar-cannula small-gauge systems with less discomfort and shorter operating times; wide-angle viewing up to 130 degrees; indications (macular hole, ERM, VMT, vitreous haemorrhage, tractional and rhegmatogenous RD, macular oedema, endophthalmitis, dislocated IOL, retained lens material, foreign bodies); tamponade (SF6 2\u20133 weeks, C3F8 6\u20138 weeks, silicone oil until removed); complications list (cataract, glaucoma, endophthalmitis, retinal tear\/detachment, hypotony, suprachoroidal haemorrhage, vitreous haemorrhage, CME). https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Pars_Plana_Vitrectomy<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>What Is Vitrectomy?<\/em>: conditions treated (diabetic retinopathy with bleeding or scar tissue, detachment, macular hole, macular pucker, endophthalmitis, injury, cataract surgery complications); local or general anaesthetic; one to several hours; gritty feeling; patch for a few days; face-down or side positioning; no flying, mountains or scuba diving with gas; risks (infection, bleeding, retinal problems, raised pressure, cataract). https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/treatments\/what-is-vitrectomy<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, <em>Macular hole: diagnosis and treatment<\/em>: local anaesthetic; 30\u201360 minutes; gel replaced with saline; 90\u201395% closure with one operation; face-down 3\u20137 days, 45\u201350 minutes of every hour; SF6 2\u20134 weeks, C2F6 4\u20138 weeks, C3F8 6\u201312 weeks; no flying or high altitude with gas; nitrous oxide warning; no driving with gas; at least two weeks off work; cataract very likely; retinal detachment 1\u20132 in 100, infection 1 in 2,000, failure to close 5\u201310%, worse vision &lt; 1 in 50; improvement over many months, up to a year. https:\/\/www.moorfields.nhs.uk\/eye-conditions\/macular-hole\/diagnosis-and-treatment<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, <em>Epiretinal membrane: diagnosis and treatment<\/em>: mostly local anaesthetic; membrane peel; vision improves over 3\u20136 months in 70\u201380%; discomfort 7\u201314 days; healing 2\u20136 weeks; 2\u20135% chance of reduced vision; 1 in 1,000 total loss of vision; about 10% recurrence; cataract. https:\/\/www.moorfields.nhs.uk\/eye-conditions\/epiretinal-membrane\/diagnosis-and-treatment<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO), <em>Macular Hole<\/em>: closure rates with and without face-down positioning (\u2265 400 \u00b5m: 94% vs 84%; &lt; 400 \u00b5m: 100% vs 96%). https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Macular_Hole<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO), <em>Epiretinal Membrane<\/em>: most patients improve by 3\u20136 months; recurrence about 1%; complications similar to all PPV (cataract, retinal break, detachment). https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Epiretinal_Membrane<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO), <em>Vitreous Hemorrhage<\/em>: PDR among the commonest causes; indications for PPV (non-clearing blood, detachment or break on B-scan, unknown cause, neovascular glaucoma); 3\u20136 months observation reasonable in known treated PDR; anti-VEGF 1\u20137 days before PPV; B-scan ultrasound. https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Vitreous_Hemorrhage<\/li>\n\t\t<li>National Eye Institute (NIH), <em>Macular Hole<\/em>: vitrectomy with gas bubble as a temporary bandage; avoid flying and nitrous oxide until the bubble is gone; early treatment can often restore vision. https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/macular-hole<\/li>\n\t\t<li>National Eye Institute (NIH), <em>Macular Pucker<\/em>: surgery when the pucker makes everyday activities like reading or driving hard; vitrectomy with membrane removal. https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/macular-pucker<\/li>\n\t\t<li>National Eye Institute (NIH), <em>Diabetic Retinopathy<\/em>: vitrectomy &#8220;if your retina is bleeding a lot or you have a lot of scars in your eye&#8221;. https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/diabetic-retinopathy<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, <em>What Are Floaters and Flashes?<\/em>: severe floaters can be removed surgically, &#8220;but this has risks and is seldom necessary or recommended&#8221;. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/what-are-floaters-flashes<\/li>\n\t\t<li>NHS, <em>Floaters and flashes in the eyes<\/em>: get an urgent assessment for new or suddenly increased floaters or flashes or a dark curtain. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/floaters-and-flashes-in-the-eyes\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Warren A, Wang DW, Lim JI. <em>Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: a review.<\/em> Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023;51(3):271\u2013279: cataract after small-gauge vitrectomy about 72%. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12489960\/<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Find out if vitrectomy is right for your eye, free<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Send us your eye report, OCT or ultrasound images. Do\u00e7. Dr. \u00d6zer or Op. Dr. Bayram will tell you what your scans show, whether vitrectomy or another treatment suits you, how long you would need to stay in Istanbul and what it would cost, with no obligation. If your symptoms are new or sudden, get seen locally first.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Upload my scans for a free review<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"tel:+905416390785\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Call: +90 541 639 07 85<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":1786,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1915","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1915","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1915"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1915\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3060,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1915\/revisions\/3060"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}