Anatomical and functional outcomes of vitrectomy for the treatment of pseudophakic regmatogenous retinal detachment

Abstract

PurposeTo report the results obtained in a non-comparative series of pseudophakic patients with retinal detachment (RD) treated with vitrectomy with no associated scleral procedures. MethodsThe clinical records of all pseudophakic patients with RD treated with vitrectomy were evaluated by one of the authors. Patients with primary regmatogenous RD with no signs of proliferative vitreoretinopathy were included. Patients with associated ocular pathologies or with less than 3 months follow-up were excluded. Main outcome measures were anatomical reattachment rate after one surgery, visual acuity change and surgical complications.The surgical procedure consisted of 20 g pars plana vitrectomy, with removal of peripheral vitreous up to the ora serrata. Laser photocoagulation of all retinal breaks was performed and 14% C3F8 was used as tamponade. ResultsThirty-one patients were included in the study. In 18 patients the macula was affected. Mean follow-up was 6.45 months (range 3 to 18). Retinal reattachment was achieved in all patients and only one patient experienced a re-detachment, 3 months after surgery.Visual acuity improved by a mean of 2.5 Snellen lines and 61.3% of patients reached a final visual acuity of 0.5 or better. Eight patients had an intraocular pressure rise after surgery, which was controlled with topical medication. No other complications were recorded DiscussionOur results support the hypothesis that vitrectomy alone is a useful technique for the treatment of RD in pseudophakic eyes.