Abstract: A vitrectomy probe outfitted with a vitrectomy needle having a region of enhanced frictional character which may be referred to as an “augmented” surface region. This region may be utilized to interface with tissues such as the hyaloid membrane for forcibly shearing it from, for example, the underlying retina in a manner that avoids a degree of pulling forces on the retina in achieving the hyaloid detachment. By utilizing the vitrectomy probe to achieve the detachment, a subsequent intervention to introduce the probe for uptake of the sheared or detached hyaloid membrane material may also be avoided.