Treatments
Vitrectomy in India
Quick answer
Vitrectomy removes the gel (vitreous) inside the eye so the surgeon can repair the retina. It treats bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes and complications of diabetes. At the end, the eye may be filled with fluid, gas or silicone oil, which affects your flight plans.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
The surgeon uses tiny instruments through three small ports in the white of the eye. Removing the vitreous clears cloudy blood and releases traction on the retina.
If gas is used, flying is not safe until it absorbs, because it expands at altitude. Silicone oil does not expand but usually needs removal later.
How this approach differs
Modern small-gauge vitrectomy often needs no stitches. The choice of gas or oil depends on the problem and your travel needs. Cataract often develops after vitrectomy.
Who needs vitrectomy
- Vitreous haemorrhage that does not clear
- Diabetic tractional retinal detachment
- Macular hole or epiretinal membrane
- Infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis)
- Dislocated lens fragments after cataract surgery
How it is done
- Local or general anaesthesia.
- Three small ports are placed in the eye wall.
- The vitreous is removed with a cutter.
- The retina is repaired with laser, peeling or reattachment.
- The eye is filled with fluid, gas or oil.
- Head positioning may be required afterwards.
Before you travel to India
- Retina scans (OCT) and ultrasound reports
- Diabetes control records
- Plan two to several weeks if gas is used
- Bring a companion for positioning help
Recovery and flying home
- Head positioning as instructed.
- No flying with gas in the eye.
- Vision recovers over weeks to months.
- Follow-up retina checks at home.
Risks
- Cataract
- Raised eye pressure
- Retinal detachment
- Infection
- Bleeding
Alternatives
- Observation for some bleeding
- Laser or injections in diabetic eye disease
- Pneumatic retinopexy for some detachments
Hospitals in India for vitrectomy
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
- Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
- Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital, Mira RoadMumbai
- Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR
Specialists
Dr Parul Maheshwari SharmaFortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram- Dr Gopal S PillaiAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
Dr Ajit Babu MajjiYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
Dr S A Hussain NaqviYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda- Dr Sujithra HAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
- Dr Bhanu Prakash MYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
Frequently asked questions
How long must I stay in India after vitrectomy with gas?
Until the gas has absorbed enough for safe flight, which can take weeks. Your surgeon will confirm.
Will I need another operation?
If silicone oil was used, it is usually removed later. Cataract surgery may also be needed.
Is vitrectomy done under general anaesthesia?
Many are done under local anaesthesia with sedation. Longer or complex cases may use general anaesthesia.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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