After the surgery, the eye will be patched. Patients must keep this patch on until removed on the first postoperative day in the ophthalmologist’s office. Anesthesia used during the vitrectomy numbs the eyelids, keeping them from blinking. Patients will usually use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops after surgery as directed by the physician.

Postoperative swelling on the outside of the eye and around the eyelids often causes discomfort for several days after the surgery. Itchiness and the occasional sharp pain are normal. A physician may suggest an ice compress to reduce soreness. Medication is available to reduce itchiness.

Redness will gradually diminish over time. Some patients may experience slight bleeding or bruising outside of the eye and/or eyelids. This also should diminish over time.

Other post-operative advice for patients includes:

• Wear the plastic eye shield to protect the eye when sleeping for the first week after surgery. Patients should also wear the shield when showering during the first week after surgery.
  
  
• Avoid strenuous activity while the eye heals for up to 10 weeks, including bending, stooping and lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds. All activity should be approved by the physician after surgery.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses after surgery. Patients may be sensitive to light for some time after surgery.

Many patients will begin to notice an improvement in their vision about one week after surgery. However, the time frame may vary from patient to patient.  It takes at least 10 weeks for the eye to fully recover after a vitrectomy.

For some patients with severe visual impairment, improvement may be significant enough to allow them to begin reading or driving again. For others, improvement will be more modest.