Abstract

Eighty diabetics underwent vitreous microsurgery from 1977 to 1979 for severe vitreo-retinal disease. At follow-up examinations 5 to 9 years (mean 6.6 years) after surgery, 21 patients (26%) were deceased, and 8 subjects had been lost to re-examination. Among 51 patients (53 eyes), aged 28 to 71 years (mean 47 years), visual acuity increased to 0.1-1.0 in 28 eyes (53%) at 3 months after surgery. This visual improvement was also maintained in 28 eyes during 5 to 9 years; 13 eyes (25%) were then amaurotic. Diabetic retinopathy showed a remarkable regression after vitreous surgery, proliferations did not recur (except in 2 eyes following haemorrhage), and background retinopathy remained quiet. Personal interviews with 37 patients indicated substantial social benefits from vitreous surgery. Their working capacity had improved, from 3 subjects (8%) at work pre-operatively to 14 (38%) after surgery. The number of patients who could manage their own household duties had doubled after surgery.

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