[Long-term results of vitrectomy in children and adolescents].
PURPOSE: Assessment of vitrectomy in the treatment of children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the treatment of 44 children between the ages of 8 and 17 who underwent vitrectomy from January 1991 to January 1996. In 35 eyes indication for vitrectomy was complicated intraocular trauma, in 6 eyes Toxocara canis infection, in 2 eyes idiopathic vitreous hemorrhage and in eye complication due to diabetes. The mean follow-up period of study was 15 months. RESULTS: The anatomic success category included eyes with attached retinas and a final visual acuity above 1/50 which was achieved in 85% of operated eyes. Within this group 50% of the eyes had a final visual acuity of 5/50 or better. Anatomic and functional success were stable for a period of 12 months after vitrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Vitrectomy is the primary method of treatment for complicated intraocular trauma in children. 2. Through vitrectomy we achieved functional success which facilitated visual rehabilitation after ocular trauma. 3. Vitrectomy in children and adolescents have fewer complications when compared to vitrectomy in adults.