Disappearance of myelinated retinal nerve fibers after pars plana vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of extramacular myelinated retinal nerve fibers disappearing after pars plana vitrectomy for an epiretinal membrane and macular edema.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
A 61-year-old African-American man with extramacular myelinated retinal nerve fibers underwent pars plana vitrectomy for an epiretinal membrane. A posterior vitreous detachment was present preoperatively. Humidified air was used. A gas bubble was placed for an intraoperative macular hole.


RESULTS
Nine months after surgery, the myelinated retinal nerve fibers had disappeared.


CONCLUSIONS
Loss of myelinated retinal nerve fibers may occur after vitreoretinal surgery. Possible mechanisms include postoperative nerve fiber layer atrophy or ischemia.
Williams
Adrienne J
AJ
Albert Eye Research Institute, Duke University Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Fekrat
Sharon
S
D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016684:Prone Position; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C042852:perflutren