How long does recovery take from a vitrectomy?

Recovery from a vitrectomy typically takes several weeks to months. Here's a general timeline of what you might expect:

Immediately after surgery:

- You'll likely stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight for observation.

- Your eye may be covered with a patch or shield to protect it.

- You may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with medication.

1-2 weeks after surgery:

- You'll need to follow your doctor's instructions carefully, which may include:

- Using antibiotic and/or steroid eye drops

- Avoiding strenuous activities that could increase the pressure in your eye

- Wearing an eye shield or glasses to protect your eye

2-4 weeks after surgery:

- Your vision may start to improve, but it may still be blurry or distorted.

- You may still need to wear an eye shield or glasses.

- You'll likely have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress.

4-8 weeks after surgery:

- Your vision should continue to improve, and you may be able to stop wearing an eye shield or glasses.

- You may still have some mild floaters or flashes in your vision, but these should gradually go away.

8 weeks to several months:

- Your vision should continue to improve, and you should eventually regain most or all of your vision.

- You'll likely have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor for the first year after surgery to ensure that your eye is healing properly.

It's important to remember that everyone heals at their own pace, and the recovery time may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of vitrectomy you've had. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.