Why choose Mr Henderson for vitrectomy surgery?

Mr Henderson performs all vitrectomy surgery personally using minimally invasive 23 and 25-gauge techniques. His operating list at Moorfields Eye Hospital includes both routine and highly complex cases referred from across the UK, including re-operations where previous surgery has been unsuccessful. He is also the designated vitreoretinal surgeon for the UK OOKP (osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis) service at Moorfields — one of the most specialised surgical roles in British ophthalmology. As a dedicated vitreoretinal surgeon in London, vitrectomy is his entire surgical practice.

Conditions · Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy Surgery

Mr Robert Henderson BSc MBBS MD FRCOphth · Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital & GOSH

Vitrectomy sounds daunting — but it is a minimally invasive, highly controlled procedure with an excellent safety record and transformative results for the right patient. Whether for a retinal detachment, macular hole, floaters, or diabetic eye disease, the surgery is performed through incisions smaller than a millimetre, usually under local anaesthetic, and most patients go home the same day.

Vitrectomy is the core surgical procedure in retinal surgery, and advances in instrumentation over the past two decades have made it safer and more effective than ever. Mr Henderson performs minimally invasive 25-gauge vitrectomy for the full range of vitreoretinal conditions.

At a Glance
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Approach25-gauge small-incision
✦
AnaestheticLocal anaesthetic
👁
SettingDay case procedure
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LocationMoorfields Eye Hospital
The Procedure

What is Vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy involves the removal of some or all of the vitreous gel from the eye through three tiny self-sealing incisions just 0.5mm in diameter. Once the vitreous is removed, the surgeon gains direct access to the retinal surface to perform the delicate work required — peeling membranes, closing macular holes, reattaching detached retina, or clearing vitreous haemorrhage.

Modern 25-gauge vitrectomy uses instruments finer than a human hair. The incisions are so small they typically require no sutures and heal within days. This minimally invasive approach reduces postoperative discomfort, speeds recovery, and allows most patients to go home the same day.

Conditions Treated with Vitrectomy

Macular hole
Epiretinal membrane
Retinal detachment
Vitreous haemorrhage
Diabetic tractional detachment
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Severe vitreous floaters
Dropped nuclear fragment
Endophthalmitis
Paediatric vitreoretinal conditions
What to Expect

The Vitrectomy Journey

1

Consultation & Planning

A thorough assessment including OCT imaging, visual acuity, and clinical examination to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgical approach.

2

Admission (Day Case)

Arrive at Moorfields on the day of surgery. Anaesthetic drops and pre-operative assessment are completed before going to the operating theatre.

3

Local Anaesthetic

A local anaesthetic block numbs the eye completely. You will be awake but comfortable, and will see only light during the procedure. General anaesthetic is available when required.

4

Surgery (30–90 minutes)

The vitreous is removed and the specific retinal work performed. The eye may be filled with gas or silicone oil depending on the condition treated.

5

Recovery & Discharge

Most patients go home the same day with a pad over the eye, eye drops to use, and written instructions. A follow-up appointment is arranged for the following day or within a few days.

6

Postoperative Recovery

Vision is typically blurred for several weeks, particularly if gas has been used. Full visual recovery depends on the underlying condition and may take several months.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect

Your Journey Through Vitrectomy Surgery

1
Pre-operative Assessment

Imaging, examination, and a clear pre-operative discussion. Mr Henderson explains exactly what will happen, what to expect during recovery, and what the realistic outcome is for your condition.

2
The Day of Surgery

Day-case procedure at Moorfields, typically 30–90 minutes under local anaesthetic. Mr Henderson personally performs the surgery — you will not be handed to a colleague.

3
Immediate Recovery

Most patients go home the same day. You will receive clear written instructions for the recovery period, including any positioning requirements and what to watch for.

4
Structured Follow-up

Regular appointments monitor healing and vision improvement. Mr Henderson remains personally involved throughout, adjusting your care as your eye recovers.

Is vitrectomy painful?
The eye is completely anaesthetised before surgery. You will feel no pain during the procedure, though you may feel gentle pressure at times. After surgery, the eye may be mildly uncomfortable or gritty for a few days, which is well controlled with simple analgesics and eye drops.
Will I need gas in my eye after vitrectomy?
This depends on the condition being treated. Macular hole surgery and retinal detachment repair typically require a gas tamponade to support the repair while it heals. The gas absorbs naturally over two to eight weeks depending on the type used. You must not fly while gas is present in the eye, as altitude changes can cause a dangerous rise in pressure.
Will vitrectomy cause cataract?
Vitrectomy accelerates cataract development in patients who still have their natural lens. Cataract typically becomes noticeable within one to two years of surgery and can be treated with straightforward cataract surgery at a later date. In some patients, particularly those over 60, combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery at the same sitting may be recommended to avoid two separate procedures.
How soon can I drive after vitrectomy?
You must not drive until your vision meets the legal standard and your surgeon has confirmed it is safe to do so. If gas has been used, driving is not permitted until the gas has fully absorbed. Most patients can return to driving within four to eight weeks, though this varies with the underlying condition and speed of visual recovery.

“I was terrified about having surgery on my eye. Mr Henderson explained every step so clearly that by the time I got to theatre I felt calm and prepared. The procedure itself was surprisingly comfortable, and my vision has improved beyond what I’d hoped. His skill and reassurance made all the difference.”

Private patient — vitrectomy, Moorfields Eye Hospital

Arrange a Consultation

Mr Henderson personally performs all vitrectomy surgery. With over two decades of high-volume surgical experience, you are in highly skilled hands.

To discuss vitrectomy surgery or arrange an assessment, please contact Alison Anscombe, Mr Henderson’s secretary:

+44 7974 015691  ·  alison.anscombe1@nhs.net

Or use the contact form on this website.

Mr Robert Henderson BSc MBBS MD FRCOphth is a Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Clinical Lead for Ophthalmology at GOSH. He holds an Honorary Associate Professorship at UCL-GOSH Institute of Child Health.