Vitrectomy Methods in Penetrating Ocular Trauma

Penetrating ocular injuries involving posterior segment structures have a poor prognosis when treated by conventional methods because of secondary complications including intraocular fibrous proliferation and vitreoretinal traction with retinal detachment. Recent models using laboratory animals have further elucidated the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to these structural complications. This paper reviews the rationale, technique, and results of vitreous surgery in early management of eyes with severe posterior segment penetrating injuries and compares these results with conventional methods of management.