Pars plana vitrectomy. The role of vitrectomy in traumatic vitreopathy.

Debridement of the vitreous from perforating injuries can be more effectively and expeditiously accomplished with the aid of vitreous suction and cutting instruments than with conventional sponge-forceps technique. This technique is of great value as part of primary closure of perforating ocular injuries. In addition, trauma which results in (1) lens rupture with expulsion of the lens material into the vitreous; (2) massive vitreous hemorrhage with ciliary body laceration or posterior globe laceration; (3) retinal detachment with vitreous hemorrhage; or (4) retained reactive intraocular foreign body, requires vitrectomy. Because of inflammatory and fibroplastic changes, the earliest possible surgical intervention is recommended in these situations. Removal of lens material, reactive foreign body, or traction membranes, and early repair of retinal detachment may all be facilitated by new vitrectomy instrumentation.