Pars plana vitrectomy for cystoid macular edema secondary to sarcoid uveitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the results of pars plana vitrectomy for cystoid macular edema secondary to sarcoid uveitis resistant to medical treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series. SUBJECTS: Fourteen consecutive subjects (18 eyes) with cystoid macular edema associated with sarcoid uveitis resistant to medical treatment. INTERVENTION: All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy. Nine eyes also underwent peeling of the epiretinal membrane or removal of the posterior vitreous cortex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Status of macular edema, visual acuity, and complications. RESULTS: Ten eyes (56%) improved 2 or more lines of Snellen visual acuity within 12 months. Six eyes (33%) remained unchanged, within a line of preoperative Snellen visual acuity, and two eyes (11%) worsened by 2 or more lines of Snellen visual acuity. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy showed that cystoid macular edema had resolved in 14 eyes (78%) within 9 months postoperatively. One eye (6%) had minimal edema, whereas three eyes (17%) remained unchanged biomicroscopically at the final visit. Postoperative complications included cataract formation, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, epiretinal membrane formation, and tractional retinal detachment. No severe postoperative inflammation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy seems to have a beneficial effect on cystoid macular edema caused by sarcoidosis resistant to medical treatment.     

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous opacity associated with ocular sarcoidosis resistant to medical treatment

OBJECTIVE: To examine the results of pars plana vitrectomy for nonclearing vitreous opacities associated with ocular sarcoidosis that is resistant to corticosteroid treatment. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients (11 eyes) with vitreous opacities and uveitis associated with sarcoidosis were studied. All patients were resistant to or intolerant of corticosteroid therapy. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy, followed by evaluation of visual acuity and recording of the grade of inflammation and complications. RESULTS: Seven eyes had gained two or more lines of Snellen visual acuity six months postoperatively; visual acuity remained unchanged in the other four eyes. Vitreous inflammation was reduced in all cases. Severe postoperative inflammation did not recur in any eyes. Five eyes developed visually significant cataracts and underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion within 8-30 months. Based on slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography, preoperative cystoid macular edema in five eyes resolved or improved within six months after vitrectomy. Postoperative complications included elevated intraocular pressure in three eyes, cataract formation in six eyes, epiretinal membrane formation in one eye, and choroidal neovascularization in one eye. None of the patients developed cystoid macular edema postoperatively. Only three patients received systemic corticosteroids after surgery. At the final visit, only one patient required systemic corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy appears to have beneficial effects on restoring vision, stabilizing vitreous inflammation, and reducing systemic corticosteroid requirements in eyes with thick vitreous opacities associated with sarcoidosis that is resistant to medical treatment.     

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous opacity associated with ocular sarcoidosis resistant to medical treatment

objective: To examine the results of pars plana vitrectomy for nonclearing vitreous opacities associated with ocular sarcoidosis that is resistant to corticosteroid treatment. Methods: Eight consecutive patients (11 eyes) with vitreous opacities and uveitis associated with sarcoidosis were studied. All patients were resistant to or intolerant of corticosteroid therapy. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy, followed by evaluation of visual acuity and recording of the grade of inflammation and complications. Results: Seven eyes had gained two or more lines of Snellen visual acuity six months postoperatively; visual acuity remained unchanged in the other four eyes. Vitreous inflammation was reduced in all cases. Severe postoperative inflammation did not recur in any eyes. Five eyes developed visually significant cataracts and underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion within 8–30 months. Based on slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography, preoperative cystoid macular edema in five eyes resolved or improved within six months after vitrectomy. Postoperative complications included elevated intraocular pressure in three eyes, cataract formation in six eyes, epiretinal membrane formation in one eye, and choroidal neovascularization in one eye. None of the patients developed cystoid macular edema postoperatively. Only three patients received systemic corticosteroids after surgery. At the final visit, only one patient required systemic corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: Pars plana vitrectomy appears to have beneficial effects on restoring vision, stabilizing vitreous inflammation, and reducing systemic corticosteroid requirements in eyes with thick vitreous opacities associated with sarcoidosis that is resistant to medical treatment.     

Visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy and membrane stripping for visually significant macular epiretinal membranes associated with chronic idiopathic pars planitis. DESIGN: Consecutive noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for pars planitis from 1988 through 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven eyes of five patients who were diagnosed with visually significant epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis and who underwent vitrectomy and membrane stripping were analyzed. Patients were diagnosed with pars planitis based on characteristic clinical signs and pertinent negative laboratory test results. INTERVENTION: Pars plana vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane stripping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and inflammatory grade were compared between the last preoperative visit and the most recent follow-up visit. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 31 years (range, 6 to 45 years). The mean duration of uveitis was 6.4 years (range, 6 months to 13 years). All patients were treated with combinations of periocular, topical, and oral corticosteroids before surgery. Five eyes had laser retinopexy, and two eyes had cryopexy to the inferior retina at the time of surgery. Five eyes had at least 3 Snellen lines of visual acuity improvement, and visual acuity in one eye worsened by 2 lines. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/73 (range, 20/50 to 20/300), and mean final visual acuity was 20/37 (range, 20/25 to 20/70). Five eyes had a final visual acuity of 20/40. Vitritis improved in all cases. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range, 3 to 54 months). Six of seven eyes had progressive cataract development, four of which underwent cataract extraction. No other intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis can be safely performed and may result in improved visual acuity. Patients often require subsequent cataract extraction to obtain the best long-term final acuity.     

Phacoemulsification cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE: This study reports outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation within the capsular bag in patients with uveitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 32 patients (39 eyes) with uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation by two surgeons at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation from January 1990 to June 1998. Patients with less than 3 months of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Diagnoses of uveitis included idiopathic (15 eyes), sarcoidosis (10 eyes), pars planitis (four eyes), CMV retinitis (two eyes), Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (two eyes), syphilis (two eyes), and one eye each of tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, HLA-B27 associated, and acute retinal necrosis. Average follow-up was 20 months (range, 3 to 63 months). Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 37 eyes (95%). Average improvement was 4 +/- 3 Snellen acuity lines (range, 1 to 10 lines). Thirty-four eyes (87%) attained final visual acuity better than or equal to 20/40. Visual loss occurred in one eye (3%) with CMV retinitis. No improvement in visual acuity was seen in one eye (3%) that developed a retinal pigment epithelial detachment. Posterior capsule opacification occurred in 24 eyes (62%), 12 of which required Nd:YAG capsulotomy (31%). Other postoperative complications included recurrence of uveitis (41%), cystoid macular edema (33%), epiretinal membrane formation (15%), and posterior synechiae (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation is safe in patients with uveitis. The incidences of recurrence of uveitis, cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, and posterior synechiae were lower than those reported previously for extracapsular cataract extraction.     

Pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intermediate uveitis

Objective: To describe the effect of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intermediate uveitis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the clinical course and visual outcome following pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intermediate uveitis. Results: Thirty-two patients (43 eyes) were included in the study. Pars plana vitrectomy was combined with cataract surgery in 22 of 43 eyes. The intermediate uveitis was associated with sarcoidosis in 16 eyes and multiple sclerosis in five eyes, and was idiopathic in 22 eyes. The mean (±SD) follow-up was 45.6 (±38) months (range: 6–146 months). In 19 of 43 eyes (44.1%), there was improvement in the course of uveitis, allowing the discontinuation of immunosuppressive treatment in seven patients. Cystoid macular edema resolved in 12 of 37 eyes (32.4%). Forty of 43 eyes achieved a better or retained their initial visual acuity. The remaining three eyes deteriorated by two or more lines in the Snellen chart due to the progression of cataract, chronic cystoid macular edema, and glaucomatous optic atrophy, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that pars plana vitrectomy may have a beneficial effect on the course of uveitis and the associated complications of cystoid macular edema, thereby reducing the need for long-term immunosuppression. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with simultaneous cataract surgery can improve the visual outcome in these patients.     

Combined cataract surgery, intraocular lens insertion, and vitrectomy in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane

To report the surgical outcomes of combined cataract surgery and pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane. This is a retrospective review of 8 consecutive patients with concurrent cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane who underwent the combined procedure. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, the visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines in 7 patients (88%). Median preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acquities were 20/200 and 20/50 respectively. Simultaneous cataract surgery and vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane removal resulted in visual improvement in the majority of patients.     

Pars plana vitrectomy for intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema unresponsive to corticosteroids. A preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that is unresponsive to corticosteroids. METHODS: Eleven eyes of nine patients underwent a standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy. The primary indication was intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that was unresponsive to oral, sub-Tenon's, and topical corticosteroids. Preoperative follow-up ranged from 20 months to 144 months (average, 70 months). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 108 months (average, 21 months). RESULTS: Seven eyes (64%) improved 4 or more lines of Snellen visual acuity within 4 weeks. Two eyes (18%) remained unchanged and 2 eyes (18%) worsened. Cystoid macular edema improved by clinical examination and fluorescein angiography in 9 eyes (82%) and by clinical examination alone in 2 eyes (18%). No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications consisted of cataract formation in 1 eye (9%), glaucoma in 2 eyes (18%), and epiretinal membrane formation in 1 eye (9%). CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy may have a role in the treatment of intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that fails to respond to corticosteroids. The subgroup of patients who benefit most remains to be identified.     

Surgical outcomes for patients who develop macular holes after pars plana vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To characterize outcomes for patients who develop full-thickness macular holes after pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for 47 consecutive patients (47 eyes) who developed full-thickness macular holes after initial pars plana vitrectomy for a variety of indications. All patients underwent a second vitrectomy and gas tamponade with or without internal limiting membrane peeling. RESULTS: Indications for initial vitrectomy included idiopathic epiretinal membranes (11 eyes), epiretinal membranes with a pseudohole (nine eyes), macular edema resulting from various conditions (nine eyes), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (nine eyes), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (five eyes), and miscellaneous causes (four eyes). Mean interval from initial vitrectomy to macular hole formation was 20.4 months. Mean visual acuity (VA) in the affected eye was 0.13 (20/155, Snellen equivalent). The hole was closed in 32 eyes (68%) after a single procedure. With a mean follow-up of 53 months, mean final VA improved to 0.26 (20/77); 26 (55%) eyes improved, 18 (38%) were stable, and three (6%) worsened. No severe complications occurred except one macular hole that reopened after successful closure. CONCLUSIONS: Macular holes may develop after pars plana vitrectomy. Although additional vitrectomy can successfully close the hole and improve vision in most patients, postsurgical outcome seems to depend on the underlying condition.     

Surgical treatment of extensive peripapillary choroidal neovascularization in elderly patients

PURPOSE: To report the visual outcomes and complications of surgical removal of extensive peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (PPCNV) in elderly patients. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen consecutive eyes of 17 patients older than age 55 undergoing PPCNV resection. METHODS: Retrospective review of eyes undergoing surgical removal of extensive PPCNV via pars plana vitrectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative Snellen visual acuity. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 76.9 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 29.8 months. In 6 of 17 eyes, the PPCNV was extrafoveal; in two eyes, it was juxtafoveal; and in nine eyes, it was subfoveal. The cause of CNV was idiopathic (nine eyes), age-related macular degeneration (six eyes), presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (one eye), and inflammation (one eye). All eyes were ineligible for laser treatment by MPS criteria. In eyes with extrafoveal CNV, the preoperative Snellen visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to 20/300, and the final visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to 20/800. The two eyes with juxtafoveal CNV had preoperative visual acuities of 20/125 and 20/300, and both had a postoperative acuity of 20/200. Eyes with subfoveal CNV had a range of preoperative visual acuity from 20/125 to 20/800, whereas the final visual acuity ranged from 20/30 to hand motions. Four of the nine eyes with subfoveal lesions had improved visual acuity. Overall, the final visual acuity was stable or improved in six eyes and worsened in 11 eyes. CNV recurrence was noted in four eyes and required reexcision, laser photocoagulation, or both. Surgical complications included retinal detachment (two eyes), retinal hole and epiretinal membrane (one eye), cystoid macular edema (two eyes), and subsequent cataract extraction (four eyes). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of extensive PPCNV in the elderly does not often yield improvement or stabilization of visual acuity. However, 6 of 17 patients had stable or improved visual acuity.     

Macular pucker removal with and without internal limiting membrane peeling: pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate results of macular pucker surgery with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four consecutive patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy to remove an idiopathic macular pucker by two surgeons from June 1999 to July 2000. INTERVENTION: During the vitrectomy, one surgeon removed only the macular epiretinal membrane (24 patients), whereas the other surgeon removed the macular epiretinal membrane and then performed an additional ILM peeling (20 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and recurrence of macular pucker. RESULTS: Twenty-four (55%) patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy without ILM peeling, and 20 patients (45%) underwent pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling. Visual acuity improved or was unchanged in 79% of operated eyes without ILM peeling and 100% of operated eyes with ILM peeling (P = 0.01). Visual acuity improved 5 or more lines in 25% of operated eyes without ILM peeling and 30% of operated eyes with ILM peeling. At the final visit, 21% of eyes without ILM peeling at the initial surgery showed postoperative recurrent macular pucker or persistent contraction to the ILM, whereas none of the eyes with ILM peeling had evidence of this. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides evidence that peeling of the ILM during macular pucker surgery may not have deleterious effects.     

Stage III macular hole surgery.

Twelve macular holes in 12 patients underwent a pars plana vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane resection with intravitreal gas tamponade for repair of their macular holes. The patients had stage III macular holes and had previously undergone a normal funduscopic examination within 2 years. The patients have been followed for a mean of 14 months (range 12-18 months) postoperatively. The results show that visual acuity improvements were not seen until at least 6 months after surgery if the hole was closed successfully. Seven holes were closed (58.3%) and all improved their best corrected visual acuity by more than two Snellen lines. In the five eyes that did not demonstrate hole closure (41.6%), one eye improved by two lines as well. The other four eyes remained at their preoperative acuity. One eye developed a dialysis which responded to a fluid air exchange and cryopexy (8.3%). Three eyes developed minimal lenticular opacities during the follow up period (25%). One eye demonstrated an altered perifoveal pigment epithelium perhaps related to intraoperative light toxicity. Macular hole surgery can restore some central acuity even in patients with longstanding holes.     

Comparison of preoperative retinometer values with postoperative visual acuity after surgery of epiretinal membranes

BACKGROUND: We report about our clinical experience when comparing the preoperative retinometer values with the postoperative visual acuity after microsurgical excision of epiretinal membranes (ERM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling was performed in 56 eyes of 53 patients. Preoperatively, we obtained the distant and near visual acuity and the retinometer value. Postoperatively, we compared the preoperative retinometer value to the best postoperative visual acuity. RESULTS: The preoperative retinometer value was in 39 eyes (70 %) equal to the best postoperative distant visual acuity (+/- 1 line) and in 34 eyes (61 %) equal to the best near visual acuity (+/- 1 line). A difference of + 2 or - 2 lines or more from the retinometer value was found in 17 eyes (30 %) for the best postoperative distant visual acuity and in 22 eyes (39 %) for the best near visual acuity. 49 eyes (87.5 %) had a better visual acuity after pars plana vitrectomy, 6 eyes (10.7 %) had equal visual acuities and one eye (1,8 %) was worse than the preoperative visual acuity. The average improvement of vision after the operation was + 2.5 lines for the distant and + 2.4 lines for the near visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative retinometer examination is a precise method for obtaining the visual acuity of patients selected for pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Uncertain results can be achieved in eyes with very opaque ERM and ERM with macular edema.     

Final visual acuity in patients undergoing posterior vitrectomy for Terson's syndrome: a series of 11 cases

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess visual acuity after vitrectomy for Terson's syndrome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 11 eyes (7 patients), who underwent pars plana vitrectomy between 1996 and 1998. Visual acuity was evaluated at 1, 5 and 12 months. We also report immediate and delayed complications. RESULTS: Initial visual acuity was below 20/200 for 9 patients (81%). Final visual acuity was 20/25. An epiretinal membrane was noticed in two patients during the surgical procedure. Final visual acuity for those two patients was only 20/40 and 20/100. Two patients developed cataract following vitrectomy, one developed an endophthalmitis with good vision recovery. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage in Terson's syndrome after three months follow up is a solution without major risks and has a good visual prognosis. Final visual acuity of patients after vitrectomy for Terson's syndrome is good. However, Terson's complications such as epiretinal membrane and cataract are limiting factors for good visual recovery.     

玻璃体切割手术治疗葡萄膜炎并发牵拉性视网膜脱离

目的探讨玻璃体切割手术治疗葡萄膜炎并发牵拉性视网膜脱离(TRD)的视力预后、手术时机及其围手术期治疗方法。方法回顾分析我科葡萄膜炎专科门诊确诊为全葡萄膜炎并发TRD的13例患者15只玻璃体切割手术治疗眼的临床资料。患者男性6例，女性7例。年龄19.0～70.0岁，平均年龄42.8岁。葡萄膜炎病史3～15年，平均病史7年。15只眼中，视力为眼前数指者7只眼，0.01~0.1者7只眼，0.2者1只眼。均有玻璃体混浊，间接检眼镜和B型超声检查均存在增生性玻璃体视网膜病变和TRD。13例患者均口服泼尼松，其中3例同时口服硫唑嘌呤。眼部滴用1%百力特、1%阿托品和复方托品酰胺眼液。15只眼葡萄膜炎炎症控制静止时间0.5~4.5个月，平均时间2.0个月。炎症静止后采用经睫状体平坦部的玻璃体切割、剥膜、眼内激光光凝、惰性气体（C₃F₈）或硅油填充等联合手术，其中7只眼同时行晶状体切除手术。手术前给予患者顿服糖皮质激素，手术后全身、眼部继续应用糖皮质激素治疗，3例同时口服硫唑嘌呤。手术后随诊3～146个月，平均随访时间26个月。结果手术后15只眼均无葡萄膜炎复发，眼前节无炎症反应，玻璃体炎症消失。13只眼视网膜复位良好，视力提高，占86.7％。其中，2只眼视力提高显著，分别由0.2提高至0.8，0.03提高至0.6。1只眼视力无改变，占6.7％；1只眼视力由手动下降至光感，占6.7％。随诊中，4只眼出现并发性白内障，均行白内障摘除人工晶状体植入手术。手术后视力均有明显提高。1只眼虹膜出现新生血管而发生前房积血。另外1只眼视网膜表面再次出现机化膜及局限性TRD。结论采用玻璃体切割手术治疗葡萄膜炎并发TRD可以获得较满意疗效。手术适应证及手术时机选择是保证手术成功的关键，围手术期全身及眼部合理应用糖皮质激素是保证手术成功的重要措施。（中华眼底病杂志，2007，23：108-111）     

Surgery for idiopathic and secondary epiretinal membranes: functional results and complications

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual outcome after epiretinal membrane surgery. MATERIAL: and method: Retrospective study of 50 consecutive epiretinal membranes (ERM) (23 idiopathic and 27 secondary) with 12 to 42-month follow-up (mean 24 months). Functional evaluations were performed before and after surgery according to the idiopathic or secondary nature of the epiretinal membranes. RESULTS: For idiopathic ERM, vision improved by more than two lines in 43% of the eyes (33% after ERM surgery alone and 55% after ERM followed by cataract surgery) with final visual acuity of 4/10 for 66% of the patients (58% and 82% respectively); there was visual degradation for the two ERM on highly myopic eyes. For the secondary ERM, vision improved by more than 2 lines for 41% of the eyes and final visual acuity of 4/10 for 33% of the patients; visual degradation for almost all ERM secondary to uveitis was associated with preoperative cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSION: After surgery for idiopathic or secondary ERM, visual acuity is good with the exception of the idiopathic ERM on highly myopic eyes and of the uveitic ERM with preoperative cystoid macular edema. Progression of cataract often perturbs visual outcome analysis.     

Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole treatment

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of simultaneous phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with macular hole. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 38 eyes (36 patients) after combined phacoemulsification, insertion of a posterior capsule IOL and pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: The macular hole was successfully closed in 32 of the 38 eyes (84%). In six eyes (16%) the hole failed to close and one eye underwent a second operation. Vision improved by two or more Snellen lines in 29 eyes (73%), there was no change in seven eyes (18%), and visual acuity decreased in two eyes (5%). Intraoperative and postoperative complications included retinal tears in nine eyes (24%), posterior capsule rupture in two eyes (5%), transient postoperative increase of intraocular pressure in eight eyes (21%), and posterior capsule opacification in five eyes (13%). CONCLUSION: Combining phacoemulsification, IOL insertion and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole repair can reduce the need for cataract surgery in the future, decrease costs, shorten postoperative recovery time and allow for clearer intraoperative visualization, making the procedure safer and more effective.     

Adjuvant methods in macular hole surgery: intraoperative plasma-thrombin mixture and postoperative fluid-gas exchange

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal method for surgical management of idiopathic macular holes remains unknown. Adjuvant methods including intraoperative cytokines and postoperative fluid-gas exchange with and without laser have been described. We report on the safety and final results of routine intraoperative autologous plasma-thrombin mixture and postoperative fluid-gas exchange when necessary as an adjunct to the surgical therapy of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 114 patients (mean age 66.9 years) with primary idiopathic full thickness Stage II, III, and IV macular holes were primarily treated by vitrectomy, fluid/perfluorocarbon gas exchange, and application of autologous plasma-thrombin mixture to the macular hole. Visible epiretinal membranes were peeled but the normal appearing internal limiting membrane was not routinely stripped. Outcome measures included final Snellen visual acuity, rate of macular hole closure, complications, and number of supplemental procedures performed. RESULTS: Closed at one month, were 110 of 121 (91%) macular holes, including two that underwent repeat fluid/gas exchange and laser within the first two weeks after surgery. At the time of final follow-up (mean: 10.9 months), 110 of 121 (91%) macular holes were closed. This included 8 of 9 eyes that had reopening of the macular hole between one and 21 months successfully treated by repeat fluid-gas exchange and 2 eyes that underwent a second successful pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peeling, and repeat fluid-gas exchange. Overall, 98 of 121 eyes overall (81%) were successfully treated by a single surgery; 94 of 121 (78%) achieved two lines or greater of visual improvement; 83 of 121 (69%) achieved 20/70 or better vision; and 47 eyes (39%) achieved 20/40 or better vision. Complications in this series included infectious endophthalmitis (1 eye), intraoperative retinal break (2 eyes), late retinal detachment (5 eyes), transient mild intraocular pressure elevation (46 eyes), inflammatory response (six eyes), epiretinal membrane (6 eyes), intraretinal hemorrhages (1 eye), and cataract (33 of 99 phakic eyes underwent cataract extraction during the follow-up). CONCLUSION: A combination of intravitreal perfluorocarbon gas and autologous plasma-thrombin mixture (tissue glue) was well tolerated in most patients and did not result in any specific long-term complications. The use of supplemental fluid-gas exchange when necessary improved the final success rate. Further well-controlled and randomized studies will be required to determine the efficacy of this as an adjunct or alternative to other methods of treatment for macular holes.     

Phacoemulsification in eyes with past pars plana vitrectomy: case-control study

PURPOSE: To determine intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes of phacoemulsification of cataract in eyes that had previous pars plana vitrectomy. SETTING: University-based anterior segment disease referral practice. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study of a surgical series of 52 consecutive postvitrectomy cataract extractions statistically compared with control eyes from the same practice. RESULTS: Cataract extraction followed vitrectomy by 2 months to 6 years (mean 19 months). Cataracts with a posterior subcapsular component were seen more frequently in postvitrectomy eyes (58% versus 25% in control eyes). Cataract extraction after pars plana vitrectomy was often more challenging than in control eyes. Challenges included unstable posterior capsules, loose zonules, and posterior capsule plaque. Postoperative posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was more common in study than in control eyes (51% versus 21%; P = .002), especially if expandable gas or silicone oil had been used at vitrectomy. Visual acuity improved in 87% of study eyes, with 46% achieving a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In study eyes in which the indication for vitrectomy was macular hole or epiretinal membrane, nuclear sclerosis was the most common cataract type, no intraoperative complications occurred, the PCO rate was low (13%), and visual acuity was better (73% 20/40 or better) than in the other study eyes. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification after pars plana vitrectomy can be performed with a low complication rate and with good visual results, although limited by underlying retinal disease. Posterior capsule opacification requiring neodymium: YAG capsulotomy was common in this series.     

Vitrectomy for idiopathic and secondary preretinal macular membrane

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy and membrane stripping for idiopathic and secondary preretinal macular membrane (PMM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty one consecutive subjects (21 eyes) ranging in age from 40 to 78 (mean 66.9) with PMM underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling. 17 cases had membranes that were considered idiopathic, and 4 cases were associated with other disorders: 3 occurred after successful retinal reattachment surgery, 1--after laserotherapy in the course of diabetic retinopathy. Visual acuity (VA), Amsler grid, and postoperative complications were assessed. The follow-up was 1 to 22 months, mean 5.7. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved postoperatively in 15 eyes (71.4%), at least two lines on the Snellen chart in 8 eyes (38.1%), entirely in patients with idiopathic PMM. It remained unchanged in 3 eyes (14.3%) and deteriorated in 3 eyes (14.3%). Eyes with transparent membrane showed greater visual improvement than opaque ones. The preoperative Amsler test was positive in 15 patients (71.4%), postoperatively--in 4 cases (19%). 2 idiopathic cases with VA of 0.7 showed postoperatively VA of 1.0. Complications included retinal detachment in 2 eyes (1 in idiopathic and 1 in secondary PMM), and development of nuclear sclerotic cataract in 2 eyes. At 6 months of follow-up, a residual membrane formation in 1 cases appeared. Macular pseudohole was observed in 1 eye with no impact on visual results. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling for preretinal macular membrane provides improvement in visual acuity and reduces metamorphopsia 2. Thin, cellophane-like appearance of the membrane gives a better prognosis of visual function improvement.