Retinal detachment
When vitreoretinal traction must be relieved and the retina repaired through a vitreous approach.
About the service
Vitrectomy is microsurgery involving the vitreous and retina. Depending on indications, the surgeon removes opacities and traction, treats the retina and uses gas or silicone tamponade.
Who the service is for
Vitreous hemorrhage
For persistent, recurrent or clinically significant haemorrhage, especially if it limits retinal treatment.
Advanced diabetic retinopathy
Traction, non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, tractional detachment or macular threat.
Macular hole
When indicated to relieve traction and support hole closure.
Balance of benefits and risks
With significant symptoms and anatomy when expected benefit justifies surgical risk.
Trauma and complications
Intraocular foreign body, lens/IOL dislocation, endophthalmitis and other complex indications selected by the surgeon.
Individual recovery
Do not apply another patient’s recovery times, head positioning or restrictions to yourself: they depend on the individual operation.
Risks of vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is intraocular surgery with real risks and must not be presented as risk-free or guaranteed to restore vision.
Recovery after treatment
Anatomical success, such as retinal reattachment, does not guarantee a specific visual-acuity outcome.
Restrictions with an intraocular gas bubble
With intraocular gas, air travel and major altitude changes are prohibited until full absorption; nitrous oxide/Entonox is also dangerous.
An individual plan
Postoperative head positioning is individualized; universal face-down positioning is incorrect.
Individual treatment choice
Silicone oil requires a separate removal operation; the surgeon determines the timing.
Specialist consultation
The first step before planned vitrectomy is a vitreoretinal surgeon consultation confirming the indication and surgical goal.
Do not change medicines yourself
Tell the team about diabetes, anticoagulants/antiplatelets, allergies, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
Anaesthesia
If gas tamponade may be used, discuss flight, altitude and nitrous-oxide anesthesia restrictions in advance.
Limitations and safety
Anatomical success—such as retinal reattachment—does not guarantee the restoration of visual acuity. While an intraocular gas bubble is present, air travel and significant elevation gain are prohibited until it is completely resorbed; nitrous oxide/Entonox is also hazardous. Postoperative head positioning is prescribed individually. "Face-down positioning for all patients" is an incorrect generalization. Silicone oil requires a separate surgical procedure for removal; the timing is determined by the surgeon.
Book a consultation
Stages
Stage 1
Confirming indications
Vitreoretinal examination, review of OCT/ultrasound/other data and definition of the surgical goal.
Stage 2
Preoperative preparation
Testing and medical clearance according to KazRIED protocol and anesthesia risk.
Stage 3
Microsurgical access
Small scleral access ports are created for instruments in the vitreous cavity.
Stage 4
Vitrectomy
Pathologic vitreous is removed and retinal traction is relieved.
Stage 5
Retinal work
As indicated: membrane peeling, endolaser, retinal manipulation and other steps.
Stage 6
Tamponade
Gas or silicone oil is used when needed; the choice depends on the surgical goal.
Stage 7
Postoperative care
Drops, positioning, restrictions and follow-up are individualized.
Service benefits
Removal of vitreous opacities
Vitrectomy allows removal of blood or abnormal vitreous that obstructs light and retinal treatment.
Relieving retinal traction
The surgeon can remove bands and membranes that pull on the retina and distort its position or shape.
Care for complex conditions
Vitreoretinal surgery makes it possible to treat changes that cannot be addressed with drops or external laser alone.
Combining necessary treatment stages
In complex disease, laser treatment can complement other indicated retinal treatments.
Vitrectomy by clinical scenario: how the operation changes
Criterion
Retinal detachment
Vitreous hemorrhage
Diabetic retinopathy
Macular hole
Epiretinal membrane
Trauma / complications
Main goal
Relieve traction and reattach retina
Clear blood and access the retina
Remove blood, traction and fibrovascular membranes
Relieve vitreomacular traction and support closure
Remove membrane and reduce macular distortion
Address trauma, dislocation or infection as indicated
Membrane peeling
As needed
As needed
As needed
Often, including ILM according to plan
Key step
As needed
Endolaser
Required
If a retinal break is present
Required
Not the primary step
Not the primary step
As needed
Tamponade
Often gas/silicone when needed
As needed
Depends on retinal status
Air
Not always
As needed
Urgency
May be urgent/emergent
Depends on cause and retina
Depends on traction/macular threat
Depends on the stage
Usually planned
Often high in trauma/infection
Visual goal
Preserve or improve function
Preserve or improve function
Preserve or improve function
Hole closure with possible functional gain
Reduce distortion / improve when potential exists
Depends on baseline damage
Retinal detachment
Main goal
Membrane peeling
Endolaser
Tamponade
Urgency
Visual goal
Relieve traction and reattach retina
As needed
Required
Often gas/silicone when needed
May be urgent/emergent
Preserve or improve function
Clear blood and access the retina
As needed
If a retinal break is present
As needed
Depends on cause and retina
Preserve or improve function
Remove blood, traction and fibrovascular membranes
As needed
Required
Depends on retinal status
Depends on traction/macular threat
Preserve or improve function
Relieve vitreomacular traction and support closure
Often, including ILM according to plan
Not the primary step
Air
Depends on the stage
Hole closure with possible functional gain
Remove membrane and reduce macular distortion
Key step
Not the primary step
Not always
Usually planned
Reduce distortion / improve when potential exists
Address trauma, dislocation or infection as indicated
As needed
As needed
As needed
Often high in trauma/infection
Depends on baseline damage
Tamponade after vitrectomy: key differences
Criterion
No prolonged gas/silicone tamponade
Air / gas mixture
Silicone oil
Purpose
No prolonged internal support required
Temporary internal support of retina/macula
Longer-term support in selected complex cases
Disappears on its own
Vitreous cavity refills with physiologic fluid
Yes, gas gradually absorbs
No, usually remains until removal decision
Air travel
Depends on surgery
Prohibited until gas fully absorbed
No gas-expansion restriction, but travel still discussed
Nitrous oxide
No specific gas interaction
Strictly contraindicated until gas fully absorbed
No gas-expansion interaction
Head positioning
Case-specific
Often important but individualized
May be individualized
Separate removal
No
No
Often requires later surgery
Key limitation
Depends on underlying operation
Temporary poor vision, IOP issues, no flight/altitude
Long-term oil-related issues and possible second surgery
No prolonged gas/silicone tamponade
Purpose
Disappears on its own
Air travel
Nitrous oxide
Head positioning
Separate removal
Key limitation
No prolonged internal support required
Vitreous cavity refills with physiologic fluid
Depends on surgery
No specific gas interaction
Case-specific
No
Depends on underlying operation
Temporary internal support of retina/macula
Yes, gas gradually absorbs
Prohibited until gas fully absorbed
Strictly contraindicated until gas fully absorbed
Often important but individualized
No
Temporary poor vision, IOP issues, no flight/altitude
Longer-term support in selected complex cases
No, usually remains until removal decision
No gas-expansion restriction, but travel still discussed
No gas-expansion interaction
May be individualized
Often requires later surgery
Long-term oil-related issues and possible second surgery
Book an appointment
The pathway to vitrectomy starts with a vitreoretinal surgeon consultation. Report urgent warning symptoms when booking so the clinic can determine the appropriate timing of assessment.
Procedure prices
Service name
Price
Closed vitrectomy with perfluorodecalin and silicone
from 869 000 ₸
Closed vitrectomy
from 736 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification + IOL + closed vitrectomy with perfluorodecalin and silicone
from 1 140 000 ₸
Closed vitrectomy + heavy silicone HD + perfluorodecalin
from 928 000 ₸
Closed 25 G vitrectomy with membrane peeling
from 796 000 ₸
Closed 25 G vitrectomy with membrane peeling and PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
from 834 000 ₸
Closed vitrectomy with silicone or perfluorodecalin
from 840 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation + vitrectomy + silicone or perfluorodecalin
from 1 075 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation + vitrectomy
from 960 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification + IOL + closed vitrectomy + heavy silicone HD
from 1 127 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification + IOL + closed vitrectomy + heavy silicone HD + perfluorodecalin
from 1 167 000 ₸
Closed vitrectomy + heavy silicone HD
from 891 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation + closed 25 G vitrectomy with membrane peeling
from 1 018 000 ₸
Cataract phacoemulsification with IOL implantation + closed 25 G vitrectomy with membrane peeling and PRP
from 1 056 000 ₸
Our doctors
A team of experienced doctors across specialties.
Experience: 34 years
Head Doctor
Kanafyanova Elmira Gazizovna
Doctor of Medical Sciences; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 22 years
Head
Orazbekov Lukpan Nurlanovich
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor; Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 8 years
Head
Ruslanuly Qayrat
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Experience: 13 years
Ophthalmologist
Kalshabekov Alibi Sembaevich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 12 years
Ophthalmologist
Tadzhimetov Murat Mikhaylovich
Highest-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 9 years
Ophthalmologist
Dautalieva Aqbala Zhomartqyzy
First-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 10 years
Ophthalmologist
Qyryqbaev Dastan Rakhmetollauly
First-category ophthalmologist
Experience: 7 years
Ophthalmologist
Oteulieva Marfugha Amanzhanqyzy
Second-category ophthalmologist; PhD Degree Candidate
Experience: 14 years
Ophthalmologist
Botabekov Rustem Makhamadalievich
Experience: 10 years
Ophthalmologist
Kazankapov Gumarzhan Kuanyshevich
Note
Prices are per eye, per operation. The vitreoretinal surgeon selects the procedure. Confirm tariff contents, including anaesthesia, materials and additional stages, with the clinic.
Vitrectomy: surgical planning and postoperative follow-up
Vitrectomy is surgery involving the vitreous and retina, with its extent determined by the underlying condition. The surgeon removes abnormal vitreous and performs additional steps when needed.
The operation may include removal of tractional or epiretinal membranes, retinal endolaser treatment, retinal flattening, and gas or silicone oil tamponade.
When is vitrectomy used?
At KazRIED, vitrectomy is used to treat vitreous and retinal conditions when observation, laser treatment, or injections are insufficient or do not address the mechanical problem.
How is the surgical plan developed?
After consultation and diagnostic assessment, the vitreoretinal surgeon determines the extent of vitreous removal, the need for membrane and retinal work, and the use of endolaser and tamponade.
If a cataract is also present, separate or combined surgery is discussed.
What matters after surgery?
- Monitoring the eye: intraocular pressure and retinal condition are assessed.
- With gas tamponade: the clinician specifies the required head position. Strict restrictions on flying and travel to higher altitudes apply until the gas has been absorbed.
- With silicone oil: the need for removal in a separate procedure and its timing are determined individually.
- Further treatment: another operation may be needed for recurrent retinal detachment, complications, or additional planned treatment stages.
Postoperative instructions and the follow-up plan are individualized.
Facts and offers
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Kazakhstan’s first specialized ophthalmology institute, operating since 1933.
Modern diagnostics and surgery using world-class equipment.
Leading ophthalmologists in Kazakhstan, scientists and experienced surgeons.
More than 30,000 operations and around 270,000 consultations annually.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What is vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is microsurgery in which part or all of the vitreous is removed to clear opacity or traction, provide access to the retina and perform the required treatment.
What conditions may require vitrectomy?
Indications can include retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, complications of diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, endophthalmitis, trauma, intraocular foreign bodies and selected postoperative complications.
Is vitrectomy always used for retinal detachment?
No. Surgery depends on detachment type and extent, tear location, vitreous and lens status, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and other factors. Other techniques or combined procedures may be preferable in selected cases.
Why is the vitreous removed?
The vitreous may contain blood or other opacities, exert pathological traction on the retina, be associated with membranes or obstruct surgical access. Removing it allows these problems and the underlying retinal disease to be treated.
What is membrane peeling?
It is microsurgical removal of pathological membrane tissue from the retinal surface. It may be performed for epiretinal membrane, macular hole, vitreomacular traction, diabetic traction and other conditions.
Why is endolaser used during vitrectomy?
Endolaser allows retinal photocoagulation to be performed from inside the eye during surgery. It may be applied around retinal breaks, ischemic retina or other areas requiring laser treatment.
What is intraocular tamponade?
At the end of some operations, gas, air or silicone oil is placed in the eye to support the retina during healing. Tamponade is not required in every vitrectomy.
How does gas tamponade differ from silicone oil?
A gas bubble gradually absorbs spontaneously. Silicone oil generally remains in the eye until surgically removed or may be retained longer in selected complex situations. Their indications and postoperative restrictions differ.
Can I fly after vitrectomy if there is gas in the eye?
No. Air travel and substantial altitude gain are unsafe until the intraocular gas has completely disappeared. Reduced atmospheric pressure can expand the bubble and dangerously raise intraocular pressure.
Why is nitrous oxide dangerous when intraocular gas is present?
Nitrous oxide can rapidly enter and expand an intraocular gas bubble, causing a dangerous rise in pressure. Until the gas is completely gone, every doctor, dentist and anaesthetist should be informed before any procedure involving anaesthesia.