PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Vitrectomy”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous amyloidosis.

Thirty-six pars plana vitrectomies were performed on 30 eyes of 17 patients with biopsy-proven vitreous amyloidosis. Reopacification of the retrolental vitreous was the most common reason for vitrectomy revision, required in 24% of patients. Complications of amyloid or vitrectomy included retinal detachment requiring scleral buckling in 17% of eyes and glaucoma requiring filtering surgery in 17% of eyes. After a mean 35-month post-vitrectomy follow-up, 48% of eyes had visual acuities of 20/40 or better, and 32% of eyes had visual acuities between 20/50 and 20/100. Twenty percent of eyes had visual acuities of 20/200 or worse due either to persistent retinal detachment, open angle glaucoma, or residual opacification of the vitreous.

Amyloidosis↗

Vitrectomy for premacular fibroplasia. Prognostic factors, long-term follow-up, and time course of visual improvement.

Two hundred seventy eyes with premacular fibroplasia consecutively treated by pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling were reviewed. This study is among the largest series with long-term follow-up reported to date. Visual improvement of two or more lines was achieved in 43% of eyes at 6 to 12 months, in 54% at 1 to 2 years, in 60% at 2 to 3 years, and in 58% at 3 to 5 years. Overall, complications occurred in 34 eyes (13%). Cataract progression after vitrectomy was noted in 106 (57%) of phakic eyes at 3 to 5 years, and 43 of these eyes underwent subsequent cataract extraction. Mean time to best visual acuity after vitrectomy was slightly less than 1 year for all eyes unless they had cataract worsening with subsequent cataract extraction (1.9 years). Significant factors affecting visual outcome were: preoperative lens status, visual acuity before vitrectomy, duration of preoperative symptoms of distortion and/or blurred vision, and the occurrence of intraoperative complications.

Adolescent↗

Vitrectomy for diabetic macular heterotopia.

PURPOSE: The authors performed 15 vitrectomies for diabetic macular heterotopia, and then compared visual prognoses and postoperative complications with those of 88 macular detachments to determine the role of, and indications for, vitrectomy for diabetic macular heterotopia. METHODS: Fifteen patients with diabetic macular heterotopia and 88 with traction macular detachment, in which the vitreous cavities were sufficiently clear for posterior poles to be observed, underwent vitrectomies. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and postoperative complications were assessed and documented retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of eyes showing improvement in visual acuity postoperatively. However, a final postoperative visual acuity better than 20/20 was documented in 93% of patients with macular heterotopia and 48% of patients with macular detachment (P < 0.002), whereas 47% of the former and 10% of the latter had visual acuities better than 20/40 (P < 0.001). Postoperative neovascular glaucoma and retinal detachment developed in 10% and 13%, respectively, of patients with macular detachments. None of the patients with macular heterotopia experienced these complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the above results, the authors conclude that diabetic macular heterotopia is a very good indication for early vitrectomy.

Adult↗

Visual acuity of eyes after vitrectomy for retinopathy of prematurity: follow-up at 5 1/2 years. The Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group.

PURPOSE: To provide long-term follow-up on the structural status and visual function at 5 1/2 years of age for 128 eyes of 98 infants who participated in the multicenter randomized clinical trial of cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity in whom total retinal detachment developed from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by the 3-month study examination. Fifty-four patients had lensectomy-vitrectomy procedures in one or both eyes before 1 year of age (n=72 eyes), and 44 patients did not (n=56 eyes). METHODS: When the children were 5 1/2 years of age, an eye examination was performed and residua of ROP was assessed. Recognition acuity (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart) and grating visual acuity (Teller acuity card procedure) assessments were undertaken by testers who were masked to the status of each of the child's eyes. RESULTS: At least partial retinal attachment was present at 5 1/2 years in 21% compared with 28% at 1 year of age (not significant). All except one of the eyes tested at 5 1/2 years had vision limited to light perception or no light perception, regardless of whether a vitrectomy had been performed. One eye that underwent vitrectomy had minimal pattern vision. The two eyes that were reported previously to have minimal pattern vision at 1 year of age were blind at the longer-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The poor visual outcome after a lensectomy-vitrectomy procedure for retinal detachment due to ROP demands that emphasis be placed on prevention of retinal detachment in premature infants.

Child, Preschool↗

Cataract after vitrectomy in young patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of cataract in young patients after pars plana vitrectomy. DESIGN: The authors reviewed the medical records for previtrectomy and postvitrectomy lens changes in patients younger than 30 years of age at the Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine patients (50 eyes) younger than 30 years of age (mean age, 23.5 years; range, 5 months-30 years) underwent phakic vitrectomy over a 12-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cataracts were categorized as posterior subcapsular, nuclear sclerotic, or cortical. Cataracts also were graded as mild (1+), moderate (2+), or severe (3+). RESULTS: In this series of young patients, vitrectomy was performed for a wide range of ocular conditions, including trauma and complicated retinal detachment. Postvitrectomy cataract developed in 29 patients (60%). Eighteen patients (36%) had visually significant cataract on long-term follow-up (mean follow-up, 29.7 months; range, 6 months-13 years). The most common cataract was posterior subcapsular (57%), followed by nuclear sclerosis (23%), a combination of both (17%), and cortical cataract (3%). Patients with gas-filled eyes had a significantly higher rate of cataract formation than patients with fluid-filled eyes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postvitrectomy cataracts were more common in the authors' series compared with those of previous reports on young patients. Cataracts were most often posterior subcapsular and were significantly associated with the use of intraocular gas. The occurrence of postvitrectomy cataract appears to be higher in patients undergoing vitrectomy for complex ocular conditions, regardless of age.

Adolescent↗

Primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the success rate of primary vitrectomy, scleral buckling, and oral steroids in eyes with combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and choroidal detachment (CD) and to compare these results with those reported in the literature for similar cases managed by scleral buckling alone. DESIGN: Consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 consecutive patients with primary RRD associated with CD were examined. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with systemic corticosteroids before surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy with scleral buckling or encircling or both were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Retinal reattachment rate and resolution of choroidal detachment were measured. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 11.4 months, retinal reattachment was attained in 19 eyes (90.5%) compared to less than 53% reported in the literature for scleral buckling alone. With preoperative oral steroids, choroidal detachment regressed completely in 13 eyes (61.9%). In the remaining eyes with persistent choroidal detachment, suprachoroidal fluid was drained during vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: Aggressive treatment with oral steroids followed by pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling or encircling is recommended instead of scleral buckling alone in the management of combined primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment.

Administration, Oral↗

Vitrectomy for macular hemorrhage associated with retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy to treat massive macular hemorrhage caused by retinal arterial macroaneurysm. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eight eyes of eight patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts for eight eyes of eight patients in which pars plana vitrectomy had been performed to remove a massive macular hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured retinal arterial macroaneurysm. In each case, the preretinal/intralamellar hemorrhage was removed, and in three of the eight eyes a subretinal hemorrhage was removed via a retinotomy after clot lysis using tissue plasminogen activator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Pars plana vitrectomy to treat macular hemorrhage secondary to retinal arterial macroaneurysm. RESULTS: The duration of symptoms ranged from 10 to 80 days (average, 31 days). The preoperative visual acuities ranged from counting fingers to 0.09. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 36 months (average, 19 months). The postoperative visual acuities improved in seven eyes and remained unchanged in one; vision was better than 0.1 in six eyes and better than 0.4 in five. Postoperative complications included a mild vitreous hemorrhage in two eyes, a macular hole in one, and a cataract in two. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy appears to be relatively safe and effective in treating massive macular hemorrhage caused by a retinal arterial macroaneurysm.

Aged↗

Visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy and membrane stripping for visually significant macular epiretinal membranes associated with chronic idiopathic pars planitis. DESIGN: Consecutive noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for pars planitis from 1988 through 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven eyes of five patients who were diagnosed with visually significant epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis and who underwent vitrectomy and membrane stripping were analyzed. Patients were diagnosed with pars planitis based on characteristic clinical signs and pertinent negative laboratory test results. INTERVENTION: Pars plana vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane stripping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and inflammatory grade were compared between the last preoperative visit and the most recent follow-up visit. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 31 years (range, 6 to 45 years). The mean duration of uveitis was 6.4 years (range, 6 months to 13 years). All patients were treated with combinations of periocular, topical, and oral corticosteroids before surgery. Five eyes had laser retinopexy, and two eyes had cryopexy to the inferior retina at the time of surgery. Five eyes had at least 3 Snellen lines of visual acuity improvement, and visual acuity in one eye worsened by 2 lines. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/73 (range, 20/50 to 20/300), and mean final visual acuity was 20/37 (range, 20/25 to 20/70). Five eyes had a final visual acuity of 20/40. Vitritis improved in all cases. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range, 3 to 54 months). Six of seven eyes had progressive cataract development, four of which underwent cataract extraction. No other intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis can be safely performed and may result in improved visual acuity. Patients often require subsequent cataract extraction to obtain the best long-term final acuity.

Acute Disease↗

[Role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity secondary to asteroid hyalosis].

PURPOSE: Asteroid hyalosis is a vitreous degeneration with calcium and phosphorus--lipid complexes in elderly patients with vascular risk factors or general disease such as diabetes mellitus. Synchysis scintillans is a complication of pathological eyes. Generally there are no symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with a decrease in visual acuity. CASE REPORTS: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in three patients with visual acuity less than 1/10. The biomicroscope examination showed white and bright particles with rounded and variable shapes localized in the anterior vitreous, moving with the eye. The visualization of the fundus was difficult or impossible. On echography B, the vitreous was very dense with a complete posterior vitreous detachment. The vitrectomy was completed in one case by peeling an epiretinal membrane. Visual acuity was improved for two patients (6/10 or more) and stable for one patient with an atrophic DMLA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results were compared with studies in the literature: in spite of complications, vitrectomy can be indicated in patients with a substantial decrease in visual acuity. However, the result is conditioned by the macular status. Fluorescein angiography can, when it is possible, evaluate the fundus before surgery.

Aged↗

Risk factors for nausea and vomiting following vitrectomy in adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after ophthalmic surgery under general anaesthesia remains a complex and perturbing complication associated with several factors. Little information is available regarding the risk factors for nausea and vomiting after vitrectomy in adults. In this study, we evaluated the potential risk factors for PONV after vitrectomy in adult patients. METHODS: Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical factors associated with PONV were undertaken in a retrospective case-control series of 247 adult patients undergoing vitrectomy under general anaesthesia. We examined PONV for the first 48 h. Factors examined were age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, H2-blocker as premedication, type of general anaesthesia (sevoflurane and fentanyl or total intravenous (i.v.) anaesthesia with propofol and fentanyl), duration of surgery, and intraoperative fentanyl dose. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (24%) reported one or more episodes of PONV during the study period. Female gender (P < 0.01), lower BMI (P < 0.01) and general anaesthesia with inhalational anaesthetics (P < 0.01) were significantly related to nausea during the first 2 h postoperatively. Female gender (P < 0.01) was significantly related to nausea and vomiting throughout the study period. Other factors, including smoking status, did not alter the risk for nausea and/or vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that female gender, lower BMI and inhalation anaesthesia are the main risk factors for PONV after vitrectomy in adults. Smoking status did not reduce the incidence of PONV in our patients.

Adolescent↗

Vitrectomy for macular pucker and vitreomacular traction syndrome.

During the course of a so-called posterior vitreous detachment, a thin layer of the posterior vitreous cortex often remains adherent to the underlying retina. Tangential stretch of this vitreous pseudomembrane may cause vitreomacular traction syndrome, edema, and macular hole formation. The same process appears to underlie the development of true epimacular membranes (idiopathic macular pucker). Vitrectomy is generally agreed to be the most appropriate treatment for these clinical situations. We evaluated the incidence of vitreomacular adhesion and of visual improvement after vitrectomy of eyes with macular pucker (group 1; n=60) and vitreomacular traction syndrome (group 2; n=50). Vitreomacular attachment was assessed during vitrectomy under the condition of continuous air infusion. In the two groups, complete or partial vitreous attachment to the macula was observed in 57.4% and 74%, respectively. We conclude that vitreomacular adhesion is a common feature of the two clinical situations. Visual improvement was achieved in 73% of both groups. High rates of postoperative visual acuities of 20/50 or better (60.6% in group-1; 65.7% in group-2 cases) occurred only in eyes with preoperative values of 20/100 or better. It is reported that the visual outcome of vitreoretinal surgery for the two clinical conditions deteriorates with increasing duration after initial manifestation. Vitrectomy should not be postponed in patients who complain of disturbing visual symptoms such as reduced visual acuity, metamorphopsia and disturbance of binocular reading.

Adolescent↗

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery and unplanned anterior vitrectomy--is it bad news?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the final visual outcome of patients who undergo complicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery in which the posterior capsule is compromised and vitrectomy was required. METHODS: Data were collected for patients operated on over an 18-month period from the 1st of January till the 24th of June 1999 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Leicester Royal Infirmary. All grades of surgeons were included and patients were identified from the theatre logbook. A standard proforma was completed and the data evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 2538 phacoemulsification cataract operations were performed over this duration. Of these, 2446 (96.4%) had uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery while 92 (3.6%) required anterior vitrectomy. In order to allow for a more accurate interpretation of the visual outcome, patients were divided into two groups, depending on whether or not there was pre-existing eye disease at initial listing.Sixty-five patients did not have pre-existing eye disease. From this, notes were available for 57 patients, whereby the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained postoperatively. Vision of 6/12 or better was used to define acceptable postoperative vision. This group consisted of 49 patients (86%): five had visual acuities of 6/12, 26 = 6/9, one = 6/7.5 and 17 = 6/6. There were eight (14%) patients with poor visual outcome, largely represented by patients with cystoid macular oedema (8.8%). The most frequent stage of vitreous loss was during primary phacoemulsification in 46 (50%). Irrigation and aspiration, which resulted in 21 (23%) instances, followed this. The rate of posterior capsule rupture and anterior vitrectomy during phacoemulsification cataract surgery is 2% when performed by consultants, 4% by specialist registrars and staff grades and 10% by senior house officers. CONCLUSION: This study looks at the final visual outcome of patients who underwent unplanned anterior vitrectomy during routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery, in a university teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. It includes all levels of surgeons with varying experience. The rate of vitreous loss in this study for phacoemulsification cataract surgery is 3.6%. Patients who undergo complicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery do comparatively well.

Cataract↗

Diabetic macular oedema: pilot randomised trial of pars plana vitrectomy vs macular argon photocoagulation.

INTRODUCTION: Focal macular photocoagulation for clinically significant macular oedema (CSME) is the proven method for treatment of this condition, but with little chance of visual improvement. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) may produce resolution of macular oedema and improvement in visual acuity. However, there have been no randomised trials to ascertain role of vitrectomy in the management of persistent CSME. METHODS: Patients with persistent CSME despite previous macular photocoagulation and Snellen visual acuity 6/15 to 6/60 were recruited. Dilated fundoscopy, best-corrected visual acuity including Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) vision, ocular coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) at baseline and up to 12 months post-treatment was performed. Exclusion criteria were signs of posterior vitreous detachment, macular traction or the taut posterior hyaloid face syndrome, or macular ischaemia on FFA. In all, 20 patients were randomised (10 in each arm) to either standard macular photocoagulation or PPV and removal of the posterior hyaloid face. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients recruited, seven patients completed the protocol in the vitrectomy and eight in the laser arms, respectively. There was little evidence of any difference in the foveal thickness at 12 months between the two treatment arms despite a gradual improvement. Only one patient, from the vitrectomy arm, suffered moderate visual loss (defined as loss of 15 ETDRS letters) (our primary outcome). DISCUSSION: In this pilot RCT, standard PPV provides little visual benefit compared to macular photocoagulation, but a larger definitive study is required to confirm this early appraisal.

Aged↗

Computer-assisted training system for pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether microsurgical steps in vitreoretinal surgery can be taught by a computer-assisted training system. METHODS: This prospective, randomized experimental study included 14 ophthalmic residents and medical students who were completely inexperienced in microsurgery. They were randomized into two groups. The study group underwent training programmes in a computer-assisted training system for simulation of pars plana vitrectomy. The control group did not participate in any in vitro training. In the second phase of the study, participants of both groups performed a pars plana vitrectomy in three pig eyes, which included picking a metallic foreign body from the retinal surface. RESULTS: The amount of retinal detachment and the number of retinal defects at the end of the vitrectomies were smaller, the time needed to remove the foreign body was shorter, the number of retinal lesions associated with the foreign body removal was lower, and the mark given was better in the trained study group than in the untrained group. The relatively small number of study participants did not allow the differences between the study and control groups to reach the 5% level of error probability. CONCLUSIONS: In an animal model, training by a computer-based medical work station for simulation of pars plana vitrectomy showed better outcome measures for trained study participants compared with untrained study participants. Future studies may show whether further refinements of such training programmes will result in statistically significantly better results in surgical outcome parameters.

Adult↗

Pars plana vitrectomy in the management of retained intravitreal lens fragments after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens fragments after cataract surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of all consecutive cases with pars plana vitrectomy performed for retained lens fragment was conducted. Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Twenty-four (89.9%) eyes received phacoemulsification. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed at the same sitting, or ranged from day 1-70 after cataract surgery. The mean follow up was 31.1 months. Final visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 15 (55.6%) patients. After excluding patients with pre-existing eye diseases, 68.4% of patients had visual acuity 6/12 or better. Complications after pars plana vitrectomy included glaucoma (22.2%), retinal detachment (11.1%) and surgically induced necrotizing scleritis (3.7%). CONCLUSION: Ocular complications with poor visual outcome can occur after removal of intravitreal retained lens fragments complicating cataract surgery.

Aged↗

[Vitrectomy for vitreo-macular traction syndrome].

BACKGROUND: In vitreomacular traction syndrome (VTS), partial posterior vitreous detachment is combined with persistent macular adherence of the vitreous cortex, inducing macular traction changes and functional disturbances. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional results of vitrectomy for clinically active VTS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 consecutive eyes from 36 patients (average age 71.4 years) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic VTS. Vitrectomy was combined with epiretinal membrane peeling in 32 eyes and internal limiting membrane peeling in 14 eyes. RESULTS: Mean postoperative follow-up period was 22.4 months. Cystoid macular edema (CME), which was identified preoperatively on biomicroscopic examination and fluorescein angiography in 30 cases, disappeared in all cases but three (92 %). Visual acuity (VA) improved in 26 eyes (68 %), with 12 eyes (32 %) gaining 4 lines or more. Mean VA at the end of the follow-up (0.51 +/- 0.08) significantly increased compared to the preoperative one (0.32 +/- 0.06) (p = 0.0002). Intraoperative complications were small petechias (32 %) and retinal tears (8 %), and postoperative complications included progression of nuclear sclerosis (83 %), retinal pigment epitheliopathy (26 %) and retinal detachment (8 %). Two recurrences of epiretinal membrane were observed (5 %). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy is effective in releasing vitreomacular traction, restoring macular anatomy and inducing a regression of CME. Visual acuity improves significantly in most cases.

Adult↗

[Self-sealing, sutureless sclerotomy in pars plana vitrectomy].

BACKGROUND: If sutures are used in the regular closure of sclerotomies a trauma to the bulbus can be inflicted and intraocular bleeding might result. Phases of intraocular hypotony accompany the intraoperative exchange of instruments. Like in no-stitch cataract surgery we employed this type of self-sealing wound closure in pars-plana vitrectomies. A less traumatizing technique yielding a tight and effective closure is an alternative to the conventional approach and results of our experiences are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified approach for sutureless sclerotomy closure was applied in 50 eyes (150 sclerotomies). A sclera-covered sclerotomy is performed after preparation of adequate scleral pouches in conventional positions. A minimal conjunctival peritomy allows at the end of surgery an electric cauterization, thus using no suture material in the whole course of vitrectomy. RESULTS: Sutureless vitrectomies can only be installed in the primary operation. However, re-operations on 3 eyes were possible in the same manner using the old sclerotomy sites up to 6 weeks after initial surgery. In 12 eyes the sclerotomy had to be covered with a single suture to obtain adequate wound closure. A repetitive change of instruments during the surgical procedure is possible with this technique and all types of intraocular instruments can be employed. CONCLUSIONS: Self-sealing sclerotomies are a simple and atraumatic approach for wound closure in pars-plana vitrectomies and allow a control of intraocular pressure during surgery.

Follow-Up Studies↗

[Surgical treatment of retinal detachment in pseudophakia: comparison between vitrectomy and scleral buckling].

OBJECTIVE: For the primary treatment of pseudophakic retinal detachment, vitrectomy could be preferred to episcleral buckle because it does not induce myopia, it clears opacities of the posterior capsule and/or of the vitreous and allows a good visualization of the fundus. This study was determined to compare the anatomic and functional results of vitrectomy and episcleral buckle. METHODS: from 1990 to 1995, 93 pseudophakic eyes were operated on for retinal detachment. 75 eyes were treated with episcleral buckle (group I) and 18 eyes were treated with vitrectomy (group II). In the latter group, 4 eyes had a giant tear, and 4 other eyes had a macular hole associated with high myopia. The anatomic and functional results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The retina was reattached with one operation in 67 eyes of group I (89%) and 16 of group II (89%). More than one month after the first operation, the retina redetached in 6 eyes of Group I (8%) and one eye of group II (6%). The causes of failure were a) new or missed retinal tears [Group I: 10 eyes (13%), group II: 3 eyes (17%)] and b) vitreoretinal proliferation (group I: 4 eyes, group II: 0). The number of subsequent reoperations for failures or recurrences was higher in group I than in group II. At the final examination, the retina was attached in 73 eyes of group I (97%) and in 18 eyes of group II (100%). The Kruskal-Wallis test did not detect any difference between the two groups concerning the pre- or postoperative visual acuities. CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy seems as effective as episcleral buckle for the treatment of pseudophakic retinal detachment and offers additional advantages.

Adolescent↗