Surgical management of vitreofoveal traction syndrome: optical coherence tomographic evaluation and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To characterize vitreofoveal traction syndrome and to correlate clinical observations, optical coherence tomography features, and surgical results.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 36 patients. Clinical and optical coherence tomography features taken from patient charts were compared preoperatively and postoperatively and correlated with visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to 20/400 and improved more than 2 lines in 50% of eyes. A macular hole developed in 2 eyes. The optical coherence tomography appearance of traction resolved in all eyes; cystic change improved markedly or resolved in 86% of eyes. Preoperative optical coherence tomography features did not correlate with visual acuity. Patients with symptoms for less than a 6-month duration (P = .048) were more likely to obtain a visual acuity of 20/40 or better postoperatively. Presence or resolution of macular cystic changes and subretinal fluid did not correlate with visual acuity or change (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with vitreofoveal traction syndrome usually achieve favorable visual optical coherence tomography outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy.