Abstract: A vitrector cutting instrument includes a first needle supported by a tool body, the first needle having an inside and outside diameter and a cut window disposed near the distal end, a second needle housed concentrically within the first needle, the second needle chucked in a spring-tensioned needle chuck connected to at least one diaphragm connected by an airline to a switch-controlled pneumatic machine having a control console, the second needle operated from the control console to advance into the cut window and retract from the cut window repetitively defining a cutting process, an illumination module containing at least one light emitting diode (LED) fixed at the distal end of the first needle beyond the cut window, and a power trace extending from the illumination module to a power source. The illumination module may be powered on to aid in illuminating the posterior ocular chamber surrounding the area of cutting.