In the case of severe diabetic retinopathy or a diabetic macular swelling which has occurred as a consequence of the traction resulting from the attachment of the vitreous membrane, it is sometimes necessary to resort to vitreoretinal surgery. The most common procedure is vitrectomy, removal of the vitreous.
The urgency of surgical treatment depends on factors such as the previous condition of the fundus, the condition of the other eye as well as the achievable benefits relative to the risks associated with the procedure.