I felt very safe when I was there. There were no fears about COVID. It’s all very professional and well organised. I can’t praise them enough.
June’s story
Read storyWhat is Vitreoretinal surgery?
Vitreoretinal (VR) surgery is a specialised procedure designed to address issues in the retina and vitreous—the gel-like substance filling the eye. This surgery helps restore vision affected by retinal disorders by repairing or removing damaged tissue, including conditions such as vitreous floaters that can impair sight.
What are the symptoms of vitreoretinal disorders?
Symptoms can vary depending on the specific retinal condition but may include floaters, flashes of light, a sudden loss of vision, or blurry and distorted vision. These symptoms can develop suddenly, so it’s crucial to seek medical advice if they occur.
What causes vitreoretinal disorders?
Vitreoretinal disorders can result from various causes, including age-related degeneration, eye trauma, complications from diabetes, or other health conditions. Some disorders may also develop due to changes in the eye structure over time.
How is it diagnosed?
A thorough eye examination, including retinal imaging, is essential for diagnosing disorders that require vitreoretinal surgery. Your eye care specialist will use advanced imaging technology to view the back of your eye and assess any changes or damage to the retina and vitreous.
What types of vitreoretinal surgeries are there?
Epiretinal membrane
An epiretinal membrane, also sometimes called a macular pucker, is the development of a very thin, clear layer of tissue (a membrane) that forms over the macula (the small area in the centre of your retina).
Macular hole
The macular is a small area (about 5mm) found in the middle of the retina, the light-sensitive layer that lines the back of your eye. It allows us to see fine details needed for things like reading, watching TV or threading needles. When a gap forms in this part of the retina, it’s known as a macular hole.
Vitreous floaters
Vitreous floaters (or eye floaters) are the black lines, dots or squiggles you sometimes see ‘float’ in and out of your vision. They’re completely normal and usually aren’t anything to worry about, but when they start getting in the way of your daily activities, surgical treatment can be an option.
FAQs
Find your nearest vitreoretinal surgery clinic
Birmingham
Aqueous One, Aston Cross Business Village, Rocky Lane, Birmingham, B6 5RQ
NHS (unavailable)
Private
Getting referred to Newmedica
If you think you have an eye condition, you should see your optician or GP for a detailed assessment. They’ll go through all the options available and tell you where you can have your treatment.
The referral process will differ slightly depending on whether you want to be an NHS or private patient. You’ll find all the information you need on our NHS and private patient pages.
Are you a health care professional?
Find out how to refer a patient.
Private patients
Find details about our private
options and how to get started.
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Self-referring? Call 0800 4096 792
Patient stories
It’s made a big difference to my life and I couldn’t believe how quick it all was. The change is amazing and I now drive without glasses.
Tim’s story
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There’s no pain and you’ll be treated with the greatest respect and kindness by all the staff at this clinic. It’s all handled so well.
Queenie’s story
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I love to drive, but it had become less enjoyable for me before I had the operations. The difference in my vision now is incredible.
Kelvin’s story
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