Retinal Surgery

Some retinal conditions require surgery to repair a detached retina, remove scar tissue or bleeding, treat macular holes, address complications of diabetes, or manage other complex disorders of the retina and vitreous. Our surgeons perform all retinal surgery at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, the largest hospital in Wisconsin, and most patients go home the same day.

Microincisional vitrectomy is the platform on which nearly all retinal conditions are addressed surgically. During a vitrectomy, the vitreous gel inside the eye is carefully removed through tiny openings in the white of the eye, giving the surgeon clear access to the retina. From there, the surgeon can reattach the retina, peel scar tissue, remove blood, close a macular hole, remove retained lens fragments after cataract surgery, or place a gas bubble or silicone oil to support healing. Common reasons for vitrectomy include retinal detachment, macular hole or pucker, vitreous hemorrhage, persistent floaters, retained lens fragments, severe diabetic retinopathy, infection, and eye trauma. Learn more about vitrectomy.

Vision is often blurry at first after surgery and improves gradually over weeks to months. If a gas bubble is placed in the eye, you may be asked to keep your head in a specific position, and you cannot fly or travel to high altitude until the bubble is gone. Read our guide to face-down positioning after retinal surgery for what to expect and tips for making recovery easier.

Early treatment and regular follow-up lead to the best outcomes for retinal disease. Call (414) 774-3484 or request an appointment at any of our Southeastern Wisconsin locations.