Vitreoretinal Surgery In Delhi

Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) is a microsurgical procedure to access and treat the vitreous gel and retina inside the eye. It is one of the most studied and performed posterior segment surgical procedures in ophthalmology. At Netram, we use 23/25-gauge microincision systems — sutureless, self-sealing, and associated with faster recovery and fewer complications than older techniques. Major complications (infection, retinal detachment) occur in less than 1% of cases.

Yes — retinal detachment is a surgical emergency. Every hour without treatment increases the chance of permanent vision loss, especially once the macula (central vision) detaches. If you experience sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow / curtain moving across your vision — call us immediately or go to an emergency eye facility the same day. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment.

Procedure time ranges from 45 minutes for straightforward macular cases to 90+ minutes for complex retinal detachments with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. It is a day-care procedure in most cases — you go home the same day after 1–2 hours of post-operative monitoring.

Face-down (prone) positioning is required only for macular hole surgery — typically 5–7 days post-operatively. This allows the gas bubble to press against the macular hole and facilitate closure. For retinal detachment and most other vitrectomy indications, strict face-down positioning is not required, though specific head position instructions may be given based on where the retinal break is located.

Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) peel removes a layer of scar tissue that has grown on the retinal surface — it is performed for macular pucker causing distortion or vision loss. ILM peel removes the innermost layer of the retina itself — it is the standard of care for macular hole surgery and is often added during ERM peel to reduce recurrence. Both are done as part of a vitrectomy and are priced as add-ons of ₹37,000 over the base PPV cost at Netram.

Scleral buckle surgery places a silicone band around the outside of the eye to indent the wall, closing retinal breaks from the outside. PPV removes the vitreous from inside and allows direct repair of the retina. Both are effective for retinal detachment. The choice depends on the type, location, and complexity of the detachment, the age and lens status of the patient, and the surgeon's assessment. Some complex cases benefit from a combined PPV + buckle approach.

The choice of tamponade — saline, SF6 gas, C3F8 gas, or silicone oil — depends entirely on your clinical condition. Gas is used for macular holes and most retinal detachments. Silicone oil is reserved for complex, high-risk detachments (inferior detachments, giant tears, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, single-eyed patients). Silicone oil must be removed in a second procedure after the retina has stabilised, typically 3–6 months later. Your surgeon will explain the choice and its implications before surgery.

No — you must NOT fly or travel to high altitudes while a gas bubble is present in your eye. The reduced atmospheric pressure at altitude causes the gas to expand, which can cause a dangerous spike in intraocular pressure and potentially damage the optic nerve. Always inform your surgeon if you need to travel. Your Netram surgical certificate should be carried and shown to airline staff if needed. Most gas bubbles dissolve within 4–8 weeks.

Cataract development is a known and common consequence of PPV, particularly in patients over 50. The disruption of normal vitreous-lens interactions and exposure to intraocular gas accelerates nuclear sclerosis. Most patients require cataract surgery 6–18 months after vitrectomy. At Netram, we discuss this with every patient before surgery and plan for combined or staged cataract management as appropriate.

Our current pricing: PPV (Pars Plana Vitrectomy) — ₹75,000 per eye. Retinal Detachment Scleral Buckle Band — ₹60,000 per eye. Membrane Peel (ERM / ILM) — ₹37,000 add-on over PPV cost. ILM Peel — ₹37,000 add-on over PPV cost. Cashless insurance claims and EMI options are available. Please contact our team for complex or combined procedure pricing and a personalised treatment plan.