This depends on many factors and can be difficult to predict. A gas bubble within the eye will reduce the vision to the level whereby light is detected and movement may be seen. Oil within the eye will compromise the vision in a less marked fashion.

Some patients who have surgery to clear a haemorrhage from the eye have some residual blood in the eye the next day, and may be aware that their vision is little better than pre-operatively. Other patients have quite severe retinal disease prior to the operation and as a result of which, regardless of the presence of gas or oil in the eye, vision will be poor and take some time to recover.