Results and prognostic factors in vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage.

The final visual acuities and prognostic factors predictive of these results were analyzed in 353 eyes that had pars plana vitrectomy for nonclearing diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Eighty-one percent of the eyes had improved visual acuities on final examination. The percentage of eyes that achieved a visual acuity of 20/100 or better and the percentage that achieved 5/200 or better increased during the study period. Preoperative factors associated with a favorable visual prognosis included the following: preoperative visual acuity of 5/200 or better, absence of iris neovascularization, absence of neovascular glaucoma, clear lens or minimal cataract, and panretinal photocoagulation of at least one fourth of the fundus. Intraoperative factors associated with a favorable visual prognosis included retaining the crystalline lens and absence of an intraocular gas bubble.