Vitreous surgery for complications of diabetic retinopathy

Abstract EN

Objectives : To present and emphasise the role of vitreous stndy in the management of severe complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Study design : A retrospective study of patients who had undergone vitreous surgery for “ of diabetic retinopathy during the one year period since March 1998.

The importance of removal of posterior cortical vitreous is highlighted for long term success of surgery.

Setting : Vitreoretinal unit at the Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain Sub]ects : Twenty two eyes of twenty diabetic patients who needed vitreous surgery for various complications like vitreous haemorrhage (6 eyes), fractional retinal detachment (13 eyes) and combined fractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (3 eyes).

Results : Twenty eyes (91%) showed visual improvement following vitreous surgery.

Five eyes improved to 6/12 or better vision.

Conclusion : Vitreous surgery has a definite role in managing severe complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Ninety one percent of the eyes showed visual improvement which otherwise would have doomed to be blind.