Is a scratchy or gritty feeling normal after a vitrectomy?

What's normal

AAO states that after vitrectomy a scratchy, sandy, or gritty sensation, as if something is inside your eye, is common, and that this will disappear with the medicines and time. ASRS describes the same thing: a mild sensation as if there is something in your eye is common following surgery.

The usual cause is the incision sites. Larger-gauge or leaking incisions get a stitch, and a stitch on the surface of the eye rubs against the inside of the eyelid with every blink. ASRS notes that many vitrectomies today use self-sealing sutureless incisions about half a millimeter across, so not everyone has stitches. Dissolvable stitches soften and go away over weeks.

Lubricating drops usually help, but ask your surgeon before adding anything to the drops you were prescribed.

Usually worst in the first week, easing over 2 to 6 weeks as stitches soften and dissolve.

When it stops being normal

ASRS notes that severe pain is uncommon after vitrectomy unless there is unusual inflammation or high eye pressure. So the line is scratchy versus painful. A gritty, sandy feeling is expected. Real pain, especially pain that is increasing or is not relieved by your prescribed drops, is a reason to call the same day.