Long-term results of vitreous surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy

In order to study long-term anatomical and functional results the authors evaluated the data from 260 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Indications for surgery were: vitreous hemorrhage, 68 eyes (26.2%); vitreous hemorrhage & tractional retinal detachment, 84 eyes (32.3%); tractional retinal detachment, 82 eyes (31.5%); and combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, 26 eyes (10%). In 118 eyes vitreoretinal surgery was combined with silicone-oil tamponade.The retina was completely attached posterior to a scleral buckle in 251 eyes (96%) at the time of the last examination. After a follow-up period of at least 12 months in a group of patients with vitreous hemorrhage, visual acuity improved in 88% of the eyes. Visual acuity was better than 0.5 in 31% of eyes. In group of eyes with nonresorbing vitreous hemorrhage & tractional retinal detachment visual acuity improved in 52% of eyes. Visual acuity improved in 76% of eyes with tractional retinal detachment and in 81% of eyes with combined tractional & rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. When comparing the latest postoperative visual acuity to visual acuity after three months postoperatively, visual acuity was unchanged in 88%, in 10% it became worse and in 3 cases (1%) became better. In the postoperative period, recurrent vitreous hemorrhage occurred in 33 (13%) eyes, reproliferation in 12 eyes.Cataract developed in 45 of 168 phakic eyes. If postoperative visual acuity before cataract formation was good, extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed. Otherwise simple intra or extracapsular cataract extraction was performed. In 19 cases cataract operation was performed together with silicone oil extraction. Neovascular glaucoma developed postoperatively in 15 eyes (6%). Retinal detachment occurred postoperatively in 21 eyes (8%). In 15 eyes the retina was successfully reattached after additional operations.     

Factors influencing the results of vitreous surgery in diabetic retinopathy

A consecutive series of 100 vitrectomies for tractional retinal detachment involving the macula in proliferative diabetic retinopathy was analyzed to determine the influence of preoperative iris rubeosis (NVI) and active neovascularization at the fundus (NVF) on surgical results. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Preoperatively, iris rubeosis was present in 52% and active neovascularization at the fundus in 85%. Surgery was performed under Spitznas wide-angle observation, using a stereoscopic diagonal inverter, either with the panfundoscope or binocular ophthalmoscopy through the operating microscope. Most of the eyes were phakic (94%). No lensectomy was performed. Anatomical success was achieved in 81%, ambulatory vision in 77%. Anatomical success was reduced to 63% in cases with preoperative NVI and to 78% in cases with preoperative NVF. Including 5 cases of re-vitrectomy, silicone oil was used for internal tamponade in 9%, SF 6/air 50:50 in 39% and air in 26%. In 26%, no internal tamponade was applied. Postoperative complications consisted of vitreous hemorrhage (25%), increased rubeosis (22%), neovascular glaucoma (2%), and redetachment (7%). The final causes of failure in 19% of eyes were: neovascular glaucoma (1%), rubeosis/hypotony/cataract (14%), and phthisis bulbi (4%).     

Long-term survival rate after vitreous surgery for complications of diabetic retinopathy

The survival rate after vitreous surgery for complications of diabetic retinopathy was studied in 552 consecutive patients who underwent operations between 1979 and 1984. The 5-year postoperative survival rate was 74.7%. Factors associated with a lower survival rate included older age, older age at diagnosis of diabetes, history of renal disease, and a longer duration of diabetes. Factors unrelated to survival rate included insulin treatment, sex, and anatomic and visual outcome. Improved management of systemic diabetic complications has improved survival rates, a finding reflected in the relatively high rate of long-term survival after diabetic vitrectomy.     

Advanced retinopathy of prematurity. The anatomic and visual results of vitreous surgery

The anatomic and visual results of vitreous surgery in 140 eyes of 108 children with stage 4 and 5 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were reviewed. Macular attachment was achieved in 9 (64%) of 14 eyes with stage 4. In stage 5 eyes, partial posterior attachment was obtained in 38 (31%) of 121 eyes and complete posterior attachment was obtained in 11 eyes (9%). Final visual acuity of fix and follow or greater occurred in 6 (43%) of 14 eyes with stage 4 and in 13 eyes (11%) with stage 5 ROP. Retinal detachment (RD) funnel configurations were classified according to the International Committee on ROP. The funnel type which was wide anteriorly and wide posteriorly had the best anatomic (63%) and visual (19%) success. Reoperation rarely improved visual acuity (4%), although reattachment was possible in 6 (22%) of 27 eyes. All children in this series underwent surgery by 2 years of age. Anatomic and visual success was achieved less often in children who underwent surgery at age 6 months or younger.     

Long-term anatomical and visual outcome of vitreous surgery for retinal detachment with choroidal coloboma

CONTEXT: Vitreous surgery has been advocated as an alternative treatment of selected retinal detachments with choroidal colobomas. AIM: To study the long term anatomical and visual outcome of choroidal coloboma with retinal detachment managed by pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade. SETTING AND DESIGN: Retrospective study conducted in a tertiary eye care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty two eyes of 40 patients with retinal detachments related to coloboma of the choroid without any peripheral breaks were analyzed. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal tamponade using silicone oil. Endolaser was performed along the coloboma border. Silicone oil was removed in 50% of patients. The main outcome measures were retinal reattachment and visual recovery. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science), version 10.0 was used for analysis. RESULTS: The retina in all cases (100%) undergoing vitrectomy were completely reattached intra-operatively. After a mean follow-up of 14 months, 37 (88.1%) eyes had attached retina. The best corrected visual acuity was 10/200 or better in 33 (78.4%) eyes. The best corrected visual acuity improved from a preoperative median of counting fingers (range 20/40 to perception of light) to median best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 (range 20/40 to perception of light) at the end of 6 months. Of the 50% (21) cases that underwent silicone oil removal, two eyes had re-detachment of retina. CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy along with silicone oil tamponade for retinal detachment related to choroidal coloboma improves the long-term anatomical and visual outcome.     

Outpatient fluid-air exchange for severe postvitrectomy diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Long-term results and complications

An alternative treatment to repeat vitrectomy in postvitrectomy diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (PDVH) is outpatient fluid-air exchange, but the long-term visual results of this procedure are not known. Between January 1986 and April 1989, a pars plana air-pump technique was used to perform outpatient fluid-air exchange in 20 eyes of 17 patients (17 phakic eyes) within 8 weeks of onset of PDVH. A mean follow-up interval of 78 weeks was obtained. Preoperative vitreous hemorrhage was severe enough to obscure all fundus detail (17 eyes) or produce erythroclastic glaucoma (three eyes). Initial visual acuity was hand motions or light perception in 19 eyes and improved to a median visual acuity of 20/300 soon after resolution of the intraocular air bubble. Early complications included postoperative fibrin formation (one eye) and early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation (two eyes). Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage required repeated fluid-air exchanges in seven eyes. Long-term complications included worsening of posterior subcapsular cataract (10 of 17 phakic eyes, 59%), for which cataract extraction was required in five eyes (29%). Fluid-air exchange appeared to exacerbate cataract formation, justifying a period of observation for PDVH. However, it appeared to be a low-risk alternative to repeat vitrectomy, allowing rapid visual recovery from severe PDVH.     

Surgical results and visual outcomes of vitreous surgery for advanced stages of retinopathy of prematurity

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effectiveness of vitreous surgery for advanced stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with traction retinal detachment. METHODS: Vitreous surgery was performed in 34 children (51 eyes) with total traction retinal detachment associated with stage 5 ROP between January 1989 and December 1991 at the Fukuoka University Hospital. The first phase of the procedure was composed of pars plicata lensectomy, followed by vitrectomy, membrane delamination, and hyaluronic acid injection. For unsuccessful cases, the second phase of the procedure, comprising scleral encircling, vitrectomy, membrane delamination, retinotomy fluid-air exchange, and SF6 or temporary silicone injection with endophotocoagulation, was performed. In cases with surgical success, visual acuity was measured using the Landolt ring test. RESULTS: Of the 33 eyes with unsuccessful phase 1 surgery, 15 underwent the second phase procedure. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 7 of these 15 eyes (46.7%). Our composite rate of successful retinal reattachment for advanced stages of ROP was 47% (24 of 51 eyes). In 15 of the 24 eyes with surgical success, visual acuity was more than 20/600 in 3 eyes and no light perception in 1 eye. CONCLUSION: In vitreous surgery for advanced stages of ROP, retinal breaks and vitreous hemorrhage are important factors leading to surgical failure. In this series, we could achieve visual acuity of more than light perception for several cases.     

严重眼外伤中玻璃体手术的应用

目的 观察玻璃体手术治疗严重眼外伤的效果。方法 严重眼外伤采用闭合式玻璃体切除，联合视网膜脱离复位术、眼内异物摘出、视网膜切开、注入过氟化碳液体、眼内光凝、眼内注药、C3F8气体或硅油填充。结果 严重眼外伤178例182眼中116眼视力提高，占63．74％；57眼视力不变，占31．32％；9眼下降，占4．95％。术前无光感的19眼中，7眼恢复光感以上视力。摘出36眼玻璃体内或视网膜前异物及20眼后段眼球壁异物。有4眼视网膜下异物未施行摘取。6l眼视网膜脱离，其中55眼视网膜复位，视网膜解剖复位率90．16％。结论 经过适时恰当的玻璃体手术，大多数严重眼外伤都能挽救眼球并恢复有用的视力。     

The management of diabetic eye disease in the setting of cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increased incidence of diabetes mellitus worldwide is accompanied by an increased risk of co-morbid conditions, including the intersection of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. In an effort to improve the surgical outcomes for this population, it is necessary to understand the historical perspectives that have evolved into current treatment recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: While cataract surgery in patients with no or mild retinopathy may result in minimal complications, a substantial minority of patients with diabetes and advanced retinopathy, including macular edema and a history of previous laser treatment, may require additional considerations when planning cataract surgery. Untreated retinopathy, insufficiently treated retinopathy or treatment failures can be challenging. In these instances, a paradigm shift may be indicated, and the occasion of cataract surgery may provide an opportunity to simultaneously treat retinopathy. By utilizing combined vitrectomy/cataract surgical techniques and/or pharmacologic interventions, improved results for a broader diabetic population may be attainable. SUMMARY: Newer surgical and pharmacologic therapies may now allow for safe and effective surgery in individuals who were previously not candidates for surgery or who had a limited visual prognosis.     

Long-term kinetic vitreous fluorophotometry in normal and diabetic subjects.

Nine normal and 24 diabetic subjects were examined by long-term vitreous and plasma fluorescein fluorophotometry and the observed concentration profiles were described by biexponential time courses. The rate constant of elimination of fluorescein from the body (K10) was significantly decreased in diabetics with background and proliferative retinopathy, presumably caused by affection of the liver and possibly representing alterations in membranes of liver cells. Increased kidney albumin excretion was observed with increasing degree of retinopathy. The apparent rate constant of fluorescein penetration into the eye (Kin) was found significantly decreased in background as well as in proliferative retinopathy; while the permeability index, calculated as areas under vitreous and plasma fluorescein curves, was significantly increased. In the normal subjects Kin was significantly higher than the rate constant of fluorescein transfer (K12) from the apparent central to the peripheral tissue compartment, whereas in the diabetics this difference was only found in the group with background retinopathy. The findings seem compatible with the concept that the breakdown of the blood-ocular barrier could be caused at least partly by affection of an active transport system for fluorescein, but thickening and compositional changes of the basement membranes in the eye might also be of importance.     

The visual results and changes in retinopathy in diabetic patients following cataract surgery

INTRODUCTION: A study was designed to investigate the visual improvement and incidence of progression of retinopathy in diabetic patients following extracapsular cataract extraction or phacoemulsification. They were compared to a matched group of non-diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all diabetic patients (118) undergoing ECCE (90) or phacoemulsification (28) in 1995. These patients were operation and age matched with 118 non-diabetic patients who underwent surgery during the same year. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in complications following ECCE in diabetic and non-diabetic patients (p = 0.2). Complications were however more common in non-diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification compared to diabetics undergoing the same procedure (p = 0.046). Although consultants performed 42% of the surgery in diabetics compared to 31% in non-diabetics, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between consultants and residents (p = 0.8). Overall the visual improvement in non-diabetics was better than diabetic patients (p = 0.006). This was due to a better improvement amongst non-diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification (p = 0.02). Overall, cataract surgery was found to lead to a worsening in retinopathy in 19 operated eyes (15 had no retinopathy preoperatively) compared to a worsening in 8 fellow eyes. This was statistically significant (p = 0.04). However, ECCE was no more likely to cause worsening of retinopathy than phacoemulsification (p = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients due to undergo cataract surgery a) have a good chance of visual improvement but to a level less than if they were not diabetic, b) have a greater chance of visual loss, c) surgery may initiate or worsen any pre-existing retinopathy and this may affect their vision in the future.     

Modified grid laser photocoagulation for diffuse diabetic macular edema. Long-term visual results

The authors reviewed the records of 302 eyes of 185 patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema with or without cystoid macular edema treated with modified grid laser photocoagulation between the years 1981 and 1990. Three years after initial grid treatment, visual acuity was improved in 14.5%, unchanged in 60.9%, and worse in 24.6% of eyes. The average number of treatments per eye was 1.9. These results show that in assessing long-term visual outcome, modified grid laser photocoagulation is an effective modality in maintaining or improving visual acuity in eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema. The effectiveness demonstrated in this study is without comparison with control subjects with no treatment or comparison with other treatment techniques.     

玻璃体手术后干眼的相关因素分析

目的:观察玻璃体手术后影响泪膜稳定性的相关因素。方法:分析我院90眼玻璃体切割术术前的有关因素(性别、年龄、眼压、是否有糖尿病、手术方式、手术时间)检查结果量化后行Logistic回归分析。结果:年龄、手术时间与术后干眼症的发生相关(P<0.05)。性别、眼压、是否有糖尿病、手术方式等因素与之无关。结论:患者年龄的大小、手术时间的长短是玻璃体手术后干眼的危险因素。     

Recent outcomes of vitreous surgery for diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE: To investigate background, surgical method, complications, prognosis, and prognostic factors in patients undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and forty eyes of 261 patients undergoing vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy in five recent years were studied regarding background, surgical method, complications, and visual prognosis. Factors influencing postoperative visual acuity and complications were also examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Final postoperative visual acuity (FPVA) improved in 226 eyes (66%). FPVA of 0.1 or better and 0.5 or better was achieved in 80% and 45% of all patients, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 89 eyes(26%). In the vitreous hemorrhage group, FPVA improved in 86%, and FPVA of 0.5 or better was achieved in 60%. Postoperative complications were most common in the traction detachment group and the percentage was 40%. Factors influencing FPVA were preoperative visual acuity, postoperative complications, indications for surgery, and preoperative severity. Factors influencing postoperative complications were patient background, preoperative visual acuity, preoperative severity, and iatrogenic breaks. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy is a useful method for diabetic retinopathy but postoperative complications must be managed.     

Tomographic assessment of vitreous surgery for diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal structure before and after vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema and to assess the correlation between thickness of neurosensory retina and best-corrected visual acuity. METHODS: Tomographic features of 13 eyes (nine patients) with diabetic macular edema were prospectively evaluated with optical coherence tomography before and after vitrectomy. The foveal thickness (the distance between the inner retinal surface and the retinal pigment epithelium) and the retinal thickness (thickness of neurosensory retina) were measured by optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively. The correlation of the best-corrected visual acuity with foveal and retinal thickness was determined. RESULTS: All 13 eyes had retinal swelling with low intraretinal reflectivity. In addition to retinal swelling, there were cystoid spaces in five (38%) of 13 eyes, a serous retinal detachment in three (23%), and both cystoid spaces and serous detachment in three (23%). Six months postoperatively, the mean foveal thickness significantly decreased from 630 +/- 170 to 350 +/- 120 microm (P <.01, paired t test) and the mean thickness of neurosensory retina decreased from 540 +/- 160 to 320 +/- 140 microm (P <.01, paired t test). A serous retinal detachment occurred transiently in 3 eyes. Compared with the preoperative level, the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity level improved by more than 2 lines in five of the 13 eyes (38%), remained the same in seven eyes (54%), and decreased in one eye (8%). The postoperative thickness of neurosensory retina at the fovea and best-corrected visual acuity level at the sixth postoperative month had a strong negative correlation (correlation coefficient, -0.76; P <.01, Spearmans rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy was generally effective in treatment of diabetic macular edema. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated the intraretinal changes of macular edema and the process of edema absorption. During the process of macular edema absorption, intraretinal fluid appeared to move into the subretinal space in some cases. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement was greater in eyes with less preoperative increase in thickness of neurosensory retina.     

Life expectancy of diabetic patients undergoing vitreous surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced diabetic eye disease are commonly in poor general health. In addition to the ocular status, life expectancy is an important factor in the decision whether and how to perform vitreous surgery. The present study investigates mortality and risk factors for survival in diabetic patients following vitrectomy. METHODS: The follow up of 332 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy between 1990 and 1994 was studied retrospectively. Survival and risk factors for survival were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier life table method and for multivariate analysis the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The 5 year survival rate was 68%. Absence of heart disease was the most important predicting factor for survival. Fifty per cent of the patients with heart disease had died within 3.5 years. Patients without heart disease had a 5 year survival rate of 90%. Other significant, independent risk factors were age and presence of nephropathy. CONCLUSION: In diabetic patients undergoing vitrectomy the presence of heart disease indicates a poor prognosis for survival. This should be taken into consideration for indications and strategies in cases of vitrectomy.