The Analysis of Clinical Results Following Vitrectomy for Diabetic Retinopathy

Park, Yong Ju; Yoo, Jin Seong; Kim, Min Ho

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the visual outcome of diabetic vitrectomy depending on each indication, to examine the factors influential to last visual acuity, to identify the causes for low vision and to learn the frequency of postoperative complications. Risk factors for the development of neovascular glaucoma either preoperative or intraoperative were carefully evaluated. Postoperative visual improvement was achieved in 67 eyes[53.6%]of 97 patients[125 eyes]who had undergone surgery due to diabetic retinopathy. Anatomical success was achieved in 111 eyes[88.8%]and vision better than 5/200 in 54 eyes [43.2%]. Statistically significant improvement of vision was obtained among the patients who had been controlling their blood sugar level successfully. Postoperative complications such as rubeosis iridis or neo-vascular glaucoma proved to be detrimental to visual outcome. Neovascular glaucoma occured in 20 eyes among the total 125 eyes[16%]and more frequently associated in eyes with postoperative retinal detachment[37.5%]than in eyes without retinal detachment[12.8%]. The difference was significant statistically. To summarize :first, thorough control of blood sugar level is indispensible in order to reduce postoperative visual loss and obtain the maximum effect of diabetic vitrectomy, second, postoperative occurrence of retinal detachment is at high risk for developing neovascular glaucoma.