The London Clinic’s expert team at our eye centre offer vitroretinal surgery to treat patients with conditions at the back of the eye. Whether it be a retinal detachment, floaters, epiretinal membrane or macular hole, our friendly team offer an exceptional care package to put your mind at ease.
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What is it for?
Surgery to treat conditions at the back of the eye involving the retina, macula and vitreous fluid
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Vitreo-retinal surgery at The London Clinic
Our specialist team at The London Clinic perform vitreo-retinal surgery to treat any eye-related issues that involve the retina, macula and vitreous fluid.
Otherwise known as vitrectomy, this typically includes conditions like retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, secondary lens surgery and any complications caused by diabetic retinopathy.
Our highly trained team of retinal consultants, anaesthetists and nurses work around you to lay out the best personal treatment plan for your specific circumstances.
We’re dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care possible, surrounding you with the latest treatments and state-of-the-art equipment to get your eyes back to good health.
Vitreo-retinal surgery is usually performed as a day case procedure under local or general anaesthetic. This means that, in most cases, you’re free to go home on the same day as the surgery itself.
FAQs
Most vitreo-retinal surgery is performed under local anaesthetic.
However, in certain cases, the surgery may need to be heldit may be preferrable to have the surgery under general anaesthetic instead.Â
This typically occurs in situations where a longer procedure is anticipated, patients are extremely nervous, have a fear of being awake during the procedure or are unable to lie still for the required time.Â
Patients also have the option of being lightly sedated instead of general anaesthesia. Your consultant will talk you through all the options prior to the surgery taking place, helping put your mind at ease.
Vitreo-retinal surgery can take approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the type and complexity of eye condition being treated.Â
In most cases, the surgery is a day case procedure.Â
This means that most patients are able to return home on the same of the operation itself. Â
As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved, although uncommon. For vitreo-retinal surgery specifically, retinal tearing or detachment are two rare risks associated with the procedure.
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However, here at The London Clinic, our eye surgeons have substantial experience in performing vireo-retinal surgery and are expertly trained to treat a wide variety of eye conditions. Â
In most cases, vitreo-retinal surgery is a simple, effective procedure that carries very few complications.
Vitreo-retinal surgery is performed by one of our specialist eye surgeons here at The London Clinic and involves operating inside the eye.Â
After making three small keyhole incisions on the white of the eye, your surgeon will then carefully remove the vitreous gel contained in the back half of the eye.Â
During the operation, the vitreous gel will be replaced with either a balanced salt solution, a gas bubble or an oil bubble.Â
These are used to hold the layers of the retina in place, helping ‘tamponade’ it and secure the retina after the surgery has taken place. Â
The best choice for you will depend on the condition being treated and your own specific circumstances.Â
However, your surgeon will explain this all to you in advance and will happily answer any questions you might have before, during or after the surgery.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.