OBJECTIVES:  Few data on the epidemiology and costs of vitreomacular traction (VMT) in France are available. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the management and associated costs of the most severe forms of this condition, which are treated by vitrectomy. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was conducted using the French hospital discharge database (PMSI) by identifying all patients having undergone a vitrectomy in 2009 for VMT, with or without a macular hole. There was a follow-up period of 2 years. Medical records were analyzed by health informatics doctors from 4 hospitals in order to establish an extraction algorithm for the relevant patient stays, in the absence of formal VMT codes. Patient characteristics, length of stay, rehospitalization for an ophthalmic reason, and hospital charges were described. RESULTS: In 2009, 3,463 patients were hospitalized for a first-time vitrectomy related to VMT. The mean age was 68.9 years, with 59% being women. The initial length of stay was primarily 2 to 3 days (respectively for 21% and 55% of patients, mean of 2.8). Approximately 11% of patients underwent concomitant cataract surgery. During the 2-year follow-up, 48.6% of patients were rehospitalized for an ophthalmic reason, mainly for cataract surgery (75.7%) or retinal tear and/or detachment (14.8%), with an average stay of 3 days. The mean charge for the initial stay was €2,697 and the mean charge for rehospitalization for ophthalmic reasons was €2,930 per stay. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first providing extensive data on epidemiology and hospital journeys for patients suffering from VMT and treated by vitrectomy in France. Our study shows that there is a high rate of rehospitalization for ophthalmic causes at 2 years post-vitrectomy, and the economic impact is sizeable. Early treatment of VMT could reduce the need for surgery and the complications of advanced forms of this condition.