[Long-term results of vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Five-year follow-up examinations were obtained on 33 eyes of 24 patients that underwent vitrectomy. The preoperative status of macula was no detachment(group 1, 9 eyes), macular detachment(group 2, 17 eyes), and traction macular fold (group 3, 7 eyes).

RESULTS

The retina was successfully reattached in 17 eyes(100%). The final visual acuity obtained was as follows: 75% of the eyes had acuity of 0.1 or better in group 1, 65% in group 2, and 86% in group 3; 44% had acuity of 0.5 or better in group 1, 24% in group 2, and 14% in group 3; and 11% had acuity of 0.05 or worse in group 1, 18% in group 2, and 0% in group 3. 11% of the final visual acuity was worse than the postoperative best visual acuity(three lines or more) in group 1, 29% in group 2, and 14% in group 3. The causes of worsening in vision were optic or macular atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy is valuable in improving the patient's visual acuity.