When experiencing sudden vision changes — for example, flashes of light, black spots, web-like shapes, moving shadows, or a sudden decrease in visual clarity — these symptoms should be taken seriously. Most often, they are caused by a harmless physiological process, but they can also indicate a condition that requires urgent ophthalmological care, and sometimes even vitrectomy surgery.
According to Dr Arūnas Miliauskas, ophthalmologist and microsurgeon at Lirema Eye Clinic, most of the eye is filled with the vitreous body — a clear gel composed of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and proteins, with water making up 99% of its volume.
“Vitrectomy surgery can be performed to treat various vision-impairing disorders — from retinal damage and vitreous haemorrhage to dislocation of the natural or artificial lens, and other eye diseases,” explains the microsurgeon.
Timing Is Crucial
A detailed eye examination is always performed first — assessing the condition of the retina, macula, and vitreous body — and, if necessary, a treatment plan is discussed.
“Urgent treatment is needed when a retinal tear, detachment, unexplained vitreous haemorrhage, malignant glaucoma, endophthalmitis, or penetrating eye injury with an intraocular foreign body is diagnosed. These conditions can cause irreversible vision loss very quickly — sometimes within just a few hours,” shares Dr Miliauskas.
According to the specialist, the most significant risk arises when patients delay seeking medical attention even as symptoms worsen — for instance, when a dark curtain appears in their field of vision or vision deteriorates rapidly. In such cases, even an hour can make a difference in preserving sight.
“If the doctor determines that the symptoms are caused by a harmless vitreous detachment without retinal damage, urgent intervention is not required. However, the patient is advised to seek immediate care if the symptoms intensify or change,” says Dr Miliauskas.
A Safe and Effective Procedure
Vitrectomy takes about an hour and is performed under local or general anaesthesia, so the patient feels no pain. The surgeon removes the altered vitreous gel through microscopic incisions and, if necessary, replaces the lens or removes inner membranes from the vitreoretinal interface.
“After the vitrectomy, the inside of the eye is filled with a special liquid, gas, or silicone oil to keep the retina in the correct position. The tiny incisions usually heal on their own or are closed with dissolvable sutures,” explains the doctor.
Dr Miliauskas notes that mild discomfort or light sensitivity in the first few days after surgery is normal. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed, and if gas was used during the procedure, the patient may be advised to maintain a specific head position.
Vision typically begins to improve within a few weeks, and final results can be assessed after several months.
If the patient seeks help promptly, follows medical advice, and attends regular check-ups, vision can usually be preserved — meaning they can continue to enjoy clear, high-quality sight.