["Floaterectomy"--pars-plana-vitrectomy for vitreous opacities].
BACKGROUND
Patients suffer from vitreous opacities, despite good visual acuity. The lack of objective measurements may make it difficult to justify the indication for vitreous surgery.


METHODS
We analysed retrospectively the outcome of 90 eyes/ 67 patients, age 20 - 86 years (mean 60 +/- 19) after pars plana vitrectomy (ppv) for vitreous opacities. Follow-up was 6 - 40 months (mean 19 +/- 9). Additional pathologies (except cataract) possibly affecting the functional outcome were present in 33 % (uveitis 8 %, premacular membrane 10 %, other 15 %). The technique consisted of a standard 3-port vitrectomy (44 % 25-gauge, 46 % 20-gauge). In 78 % ppv was combined with phacoemulsification + IOL implantation.


RESULTS
Mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.6, postoperative 1.0 (+ 2.3 lines, p > 0.0001). One eye lost 2 lines. Peripheral retinal tears occurred in 11 %. Long-term complications (12 - 31 months) consisted of premacular membrane formation (1), luxation of the IOL/capsular bag. Secondary interventions included YAG capsulotomy (4) and glaucoma surgery (1). 94 % of all patients (98 % if additional pathologies were excluded) were satisfied with the outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous opacities is safe and effective. Careful patient selection is crucial.
Weber-Varszegi
V
V
Augenklinik Kantonsspital Luzern, Luzern, Schweiz.
Senn
P
P
Becht
C N
CN
Schmid
M K
MK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery*