Vitreoretinal surgery treats conditions of the vitreous gel and retina, from persistent floaters to retinal detachment and macular holes. Using modern keyhole vitrectomy, our consultant-led service removes troublesome floaters and repairs the retina to restore clear, comfortable vision.
Quick Reference
30-60 min
Per eye for vitrectomy surgery
Local or General
Chosen to suit you and your procedure
1-2 weeks
Initial recovery after surgery
1-2 weeks
Depending on your role and recovery
Long-Lasting
Removed floaters do not return
On Request
Transparent, all-inclusive quote at consultation
Vitreoretinal surgery is a group of advanced procedures used to treat conditions of the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye, and the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The most common operation is a vitrectomy, in which the vitreous gel is carefully removed. It can be used to treat persistent floaters as well as more serious problems such as retinal detachment, macular holes and bleeding inside the eye.
Floaters are small clumps within the vitreous gel that cast shadows on the retina, appearing as dots, lines or cobwebs drifting across your vision.
When floaters are persistent and interfere with daily life, or when the retina is damaged, vitreoretinal surgery can remove the gel and repair the eye.
Modern keyhole vitrectomy is minimally invasive and highly effective, removing troublesome floaters and protecting your long-term sight.
A specialist assessment may be right for you if you are experiencing any of the following:
Dots, lines, cobwebs or shapes drifting across your vision.
Floaters that persist and interfere with reading, driving or screen use.
Flashes of light, particularly in your side vision.
A sudden increase in the number of floaters.
A dark shadow or curtain spreading across your field of vision.
Blurred or distorted central vision that affects daily life.
A sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or a shadow across your vision, can be a sign of a serious retinal problem and should be assessed urgently. Book a consultation to find out which treatment option is right for you.
Vitrectomy removes persistent floaters that interfere with daily life.
Surgery removes shadows and distortion to restore crisp, clear sight.
Repairing the retina helps prevent permanent, irreversible sight loss.
Modern keyhole vitrectomy uses tiny, often sutureless, incisions.
Once removed, floaters do not return, giving a permanent solution.
Restored confidence to drive, read, work, and enjoy everyday activities.
Your consultant performs a detailed examination of your eyes and reviews your symptoms and history to assess the vitreous and the health of your retina.
Advanced retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) create detailed images of the back of your eye, confirming the diagnosis and identifying the cause of your floaters or retinal problem.
Based on your results, your consultant recommends the most suitable approach, from careful monitoring to vitrectomy surgery, and explains the benefits and risks for your individual situation.
If surgery is appropriate, tiny keyhole incisions are made in the eye and the vitreous gel, along with any floaters or scar tissue, is gently removed. The retina is repaired where needed and the eye is filled with a clear fluid or gas to support healing.
We provide clear aftercare guidance and ongoing monitoring with follow-up appointments to ensure your eye heals well and your vision is protected.
When floaters are persistent and significantly affect your quality of life, a vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel along with the floaters. This keyhole procedure provides a permanent solution, as the floaters cannot return once the gel is removed.
Vitrectomy is also used to repair retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes and bleeding inside the eye. The gel is removed to give the surgeon access to the retina, which is then repaired and supported with a gas bubble or fluid.
For certain types of floaters, laser vitreolysis may be an option. A focused laser is used to break up the floaters into smaller, less noticeable pieces. Your consultant will advise whether this less invasive approach is suitable for you.
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive eye examination including retinal imaging and OCT scanning to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of your floaters or retinal condition.
Treatment Planning
Your consultant discusses the most suitable options and recommends the best approach based on the severity of your symptoms and the health of your retina.
Surgery Day
If you proceed with vitrectomy, the procedure is performed as a day case under local or general anaesthetic. Most patients return home the same day with clear aftercare guidance.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
Regular follow-up appointments monitor your recovery and confirm that your eye is healing well and your vision is protected over time.
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive eye examination including retinal imaging and OCT scanning to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of your floaters or retinal condition.
Treatment Planning
Your consultant discusses the most suitable options and recommends the best approach based on the severity of your symptoms and the health of your retina.
Surgery Day
If you proceed with vitrectomy, the procedure is performed as a day case under local or general anaesthetic. Most patients return home the same day with clear aftercare guidance.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
Regular follow-up appointments monitor your recovery and confirm that your eye is healing well and your vision is protected over time.
MBChB (Edin) FRCOphth (Lon) CertLRS (RCOphth) PGDipCRS
Expert Laser Eye and Cataract Surgeon
Dr Fayyaz Musa is a UK-trained eye surgeon with vast experience. He helps people improve their vision through precise, safe treatments. His work focuses on the eye to address issues like cataracts, excessive glare, and poor vision.
Driven by a desire for open and honest communication, Dr Musa explains every detail so you can make an informed choice. His meticulous approach and dedication to patient care define his practice, so you remain in safe hands.
I had cataract and lens replacement surgery with Dr Fayyaz Musa, and the experience was positive from start to finish. Every member of staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, reassured, and fully informed throughout the entire process. I never felt rushed and always understood exactly what was happening.
Maureen Nursey
What a great experience! Very reassuring, and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa. He was so helpful in helping me decide to proceed with eye correction surgery. I have the utmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747
I can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol Peel
I recently had LASEK eye surgery - Dr Musa and team were excellent - pre and post op care is exceptional - highly recommend.
Michelle Cowan
Luckily, I was advised to see Dr Musa. At the consultation, I was impressed by the thorough examination I received and the surgical plan. I confidently undertook surgery, and after an extremely short recovery, I was amazed at the result. Better than 20/20 vision! I certainly would not now trust anyone else other than Dr Musa with the health of my eyes.
John Hick
Dr Musa was recommended to me for my cataract surgery for both eyes. He performed the surgery with utmost care and professionalism. He explained the procedure and outcome to me in detail. I am very pleased with the result so far and look forward to years of spectacle-free life. He was warm and friendly, and the procedure cost was explained at the outset, with no hidden fees.
Soghra Ali
Book your consultation with our specialists to find out how vitreoretinal surgery can clear troublesome floaters and protect your sight.
Floaters are caused by small clumps or strands within the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye. As we age, this gel naturally becomes more liquid and can shrink and pull away from the retina, a process called posterior vitreous detachment. The clumps that form cast shadows on the retina, which you see as dots, lines or cobwebs drifting across your vision.
Most floaters are harmless and simply a normal part of ageing. However, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain across your vision can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms you should seek an urgent specialist assessment.
Many people learn to live with floaters and no treatment is needed. Treatment is considered when floaters are persistent and significantly affect your quality of life, for example by interfering with reading, driving or screen work. Your consultant will assess your symptoms and explain whether surgery or laser treatment is appropriate for you.
A vitrectomy is a keyhole operation in which the vitreous gel is removed from the eye through tiny incisions. It is used to clear persistent floaters and to repair retinal conditions such as retinal detachment, macular holes and bleeding inside the eye. The eye is filled with a clear fluid or gas bubble to support healing as the eye recovers.
Modern vitrectomy is a well-established and highly effective procedure performed by specialist vitreoretinal surgeons. As with any operation it carries some risks, which your consultant will discuss with you in detail. For most patients the benefits of clearer vision and a protected retina outweigh the small risks involved.
We accept referrals and direct bookings from leading private medical insurers, making specialist consultant-led eye care straightforward and hassle-free.
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