Vitrectomy Weeks 2 to 4: What to Expect

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

By week 2 most patients are released from strict positioning, though the bubble may still be there. Positioning length and bubble length are two different clocks. AAO says positioning lasts days to weeks; the gas itself can last much longer.

If your surgeon used SF6, the bubble is usually gone or nearly gone in this window. StatPearls puts SF6 at about 1 to 2 weeks and AAO's EyeNet review at about two weeks. If C3F8 was used, expect the bubble to still be shrinking well past week 4, because C3F8 typically lasts about 6 to 8 weeks.

Drops usually continue through this stretch. AAO notes that surgeons commonly prescribe eye drops for up to 4 weeks after vitrectomy. Vision often stays blurry through this whole period, which is normal per ASRS.

Usually normal at this stage

a shrinking bubble that looks like a dark line, then a small wobbling ball
blurry vision that improves slowly
floaters
mild redness
occasional watering
scratchiness that is mostly gone

Still off-limits

keep going with drops until your surgeon stops them
still no flying, altitude, or diving until your surgeon confirms the bubble is gone
still no nitrous oxide until the gas is fully absorbed
ask before returning to heavy exercise or lifting; AAO advises limited activity for several weeks after retinal surgery

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

Pain that keeps increasing, or pain not relieved by your prescribed drops. ASRS notes severe pain is uncommon after vitrectomy unless there is unusual inflammation or high eye pressure
A sudden decrease or loss of vision, or vision that was improving and then clearly gets worse
A new dark shadow or gray curtain moving across any part of your vision
A sudden burst of many new floaters, or new flashing lights, which NEI and AAO list as emergency signs of retinal detachment
Signs of very high eye pressure: a deep hard ache with nausea or vomiting, halos around lights, or severe pain. StatPearls lists raised intraocular pressure as a known complication of gas tamponade
Signs of infection: worsening redness, thick yellow or green discharge, swelling that is getting worse, or increasing pain. ASRS lists infection among the possible complications of vitrectomy
Any time a doctor, dentist, or paramedic is about to give you anesthesia while you still have a gas bubble. Tell them you have intraocular gas and that nitrous oxide must not be used. ASRS states that nitrous gas anesthesia should be strictly avoided when a gas bubble has been used
Any pressure to fly, travel to altitude, or dive before your surgeon has confirmed the bubble is gone. AAO warns this can cause severe pain, permanent vision loss, or even blindness

These warning signs after vitrectomy can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Society of Retina Specialists; American Academy of Ophthalmology; National Eye Institute (NIH); StatPearls Publishing / NCBI Bookshelf

Sources

Positioning After Retinal Surgery American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Agents for Vitreous Tamponade (StatPearls) StatPearls Publishing / NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Management, Part 2 American Academy of Ophthalmology (EyeNet Magazine). Accessed 2026-08-25.
What Is Vitrectomy? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Vitrectomy American Society of Retina Specialists. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Detached Retina Treatment American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.

Vitrectomy Weeks 2 to 4: What to Expect

Usually normal at this stage

Still off-limits

More on vitrectomy recovery

Sources