Is blurry vision for weeks normal after a vitrectomy?

What's normal

ASRS states that some patients notice a decrease in vision for a few days following the procedure, and that others, particularly if a gas bubble or silicone oil was used, may need weeks or even months for the vision to improve.

AAO's retinal detachment guidance says vision improvement typically begins around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, though complete stabilization can take months. If your macula, the center of the retina, was detached before surgery, ASRS notes that the vision outcome depends on that, and StatPearls reports that around 50 percent of macula-off patients recover to 6/15 or better with surgery in the first week.

Glasses usually cannot be updated until things settle. Most surgeons wait until the eye has stabilized before checking a new prescription.

Often very blurry while gas is present, then improving from roughly week 4 to 6 onward, with months to fully settle.

When it stops being normal

Gradual improvement with occasional flat days is the normal pattern. What is not normal is vision that suddenly gets worse after it had been improving, a new shadow or curtain, or blurring with increasing pain. AAO lists a gray curtain over the vision and a shadow in peripheral vision as reasons to seek immediate care.