Retinal function after vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To study retinal function after vitrectomy.


METHODS
Core vitrectomy was performed in 12 rabbits under standardized conditions using a vitreous cutting rate of either 600 or 1200 cuts/min. Full-field electroretinography (ERG) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) were performed pre- and postoperatively. Morphologic change was monitored by immunohistochemistry directed against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).


RESULTS
Three days postoperatively, the b-wave amplitudes of all cone and rod responses of the ERG were significantly reduced in all vitrectomized eyes. At 28 days, the rod response was still reduced, but returned to normal by 58 days. No correlation was found between vitreous cutting speed and ERG findings. No reduction in the central cone function was detected in the mfERG. GFAP upregulation was found in the entire retina of vitrectomized eyes 3 days after surgery. GFAP expression was present after 28 and 58 days in eyes in which the vitreous cutting rate had been set to 600 cuts/min, but not in the 1200 cuts/min eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Pars plana vitrectomy transiently affects retinal function in rabbit eyes. Vitreous cutting speed is not related to the reduced function but appears inversely correlated to Müller cell activation, indicating that high-speed vitreous cutters are more lenient to the retina.
Wallentén
Karin Gjörloff
KG
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Andréasson
Sten
S
Ghosh
Fredrik
F
D000818:Animals; D004596:Electroretinography; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D014821:Vitrectomy
D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein