Surgical journey
Vitrectomy Journey
Comprehensive guide to your vitreo-retinal surgery and recovery at CES Medical.
Gas bubble — critical information
If your surgery uses a gas bubble, you must not fly or travel to high altitude until the gas has completely absorbed. Your surgeon will confirm when the gas has gone — do not book flights until then.
Procedure-specific instructions
For procedure-specific post-operative instructions, please visit your specific treatment page.
What happens at pre-assessment
- Full retinal examination — dilated fundus assessment, OCT, and B-scan ultrasound if needed
- Discussion of procedure planned and tamponade type (gas or oil)
- Consent — ensure you understand posturing requirements before agreeing
- Review of all medications, especially blood thinners
- Anaesthetic discussion — local or general anaesthetic
What to tell us
- All current medications — especially blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Any allergies to medications or materials
- Details of diabetes or other systemic conditions
- Any previous eye surgery or retinal procedures
- Any planned flights or travel — these may need to be cancelled
What to bring
- Your appointment letter
- An up-to-date list of all your medications
- Your current glasses
- A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 48 hours
Morning of surgery checklist
- Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 48 hours
- Set up posturing area at home if required — practise the position
- Cancel all flights until surgeon confirms gas has absorbed
- Ensure home is safe to navigate with reduced vision
- No eye makeup or face cream
- No eating or drinking if general anaesthetic planned — follow your specific fasting instructions