[Role of intraocular tamponade in treatment of complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy].

The authors presented results of pars plana vitrectomy performed in 80 eyes of 70 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Endo-tamponade with silicone oil was applied in cases complicated by intraocular haemorrhages and tractional or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A complete attachment of the retina was achieved in 70 eyes, in 5 a limited area of flat retinal detachment persisted and in 5 the results were negative. The functional results were evaluated in two groups: 1) 26 eyes in which silicone oil was not used or was removed after several months, 2) with permanent silicone oil tamponade. Statistically significant better visual acuity was achieved in the first group. The authors concluded that for better results vitrectomy should be performed in less advanced stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, in which permanent silicone oil tamponade is not necessary.