Is seeing the gas bubble normal after a vitrectomy?

What's normal

AAO explains that during vitrectomy the surgeon may place an air or gas bubble in the eye to help the retina remain in its proper position, and that the bubble goes away on its own as the eye refills with its own fluid. While it is there, you are looking through it.

Early on the bubble usually fills most of your vision, so the eye may see only light and vague shapes. As it shrinks, most people describe a dark curved line that sinks lower each week, then a small dark ball that wobbles and jiggles when you move your head. Some people see it split into several small bubbles near the end.

The timing depends on the gas. StatPearls reports air lasts about 5 to 7 days, SF6 about 1 to 2 weeks, and C3F8 about 6 to 8 weeks. AAO's EyeNet review gives similar figures. Ask your surgeon which gas you got, because it changes what you should expect and how long the travel restrictions last.

Typically fills the vision in week 1, becomes a sinking line over the following weeks, then a small wobbling ball before it disappears.

When it stops being normal

The bubble itself is not the warning sign. Call your surgeon if you notice a sudden decrease in vision that is not explained by the bubble, a new dark curtain or shadow moving in from the side, increasing pain, or a rapidly worsening ache with nausea, which can point to raised eye pressure. AAO lists sudden flashing lights, many new floaters, a shadow in peripheral vision, and a gray curtain as reasons to seek immediate care.