title: Suboptimal vision after vitreous surgery in diabetics.
abstract: Between 1979-1985, 105 diabetic patients underwent vitreous surgery for diabetic eye disease in one or both eyes. By spring 1991, 40 patients (38%) had died, and 36 (55%) of the living 65 patients had good or moderate vision (visual acuity, VA > or = 0.3 in the better eye), 13 (20%) had low vision (VA 0.05-0.25), and 16 (25%) were blind (VA < 0.05). For 19 of the 65 patients (29%) impaired vision was the main factor that limited independent activities. Of the 29 patients with suboptimal vision, 2 were employed, and none needed institutional care. Nine (31%) participated in all household activities, and 14 (48%) were able to read. Near vision aids were used by 14 of the 19 patients (74%) with ambulatory vision (VA > or = CF), but only 2 of them (11%) had accepted telescopic aids. Eight patients (28%) had a guide dog. In spite of vitreoretinal surgery, almost half of diabetic patients may end up with suboptimal vision, emphasizing the need for active visual rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jaakkola
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Summanen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mustonen
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Laatikainen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001766:Blindness / Q000209:etiology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012682:Sensory Aids; D012919:Social Behavior; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects