360 degrees retinectomy in severe anterior PVR and PDR.

We reviewed 30 cases of 360 degrees retinectomy in advanced anterior PVR or PDR with anterior traction. The preoperative visual acuity was light perception or hand motions. In all cases, a 360 degrees retinectomy with silicone oil tamponade was performed. After a mean follow-up of 10 months, the retina was attached in 83% and the visual acuity had improved in 47% of the patients. The mean visual field in patients with a visual acuity of more than counting fingers extended to 29 degrees nasally and 38 degrees temporally. Hypotony was seen in 6 patients, of whom two developed keratopathy. In conclusion, eyes with severe PDR or PVR and a preoperative low visual acuity can be treated successfully with 360 degrees retinectomy when conventional methods have failed. The patients can regain an ambulatory visual acuity and a visual field.