ABSTRACT
Induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is one of the most critical steps for the success of retinal detachment (RD) surgery. Failure to completely remove the vitreous can result in re-detachments. We describe a novel technique to induce PVD. After core vitrectomy, perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is injected. The vitreous on the posterior pole is gently stroked, with a diamond-dusted membrane scraper, to create a defect in it. This defect is gradually enlarged to create a ring of rolled out vitreous. The entire vitreous is removed in form of a sheet by lifting the edges of the ring using an internal limiting membrane peeling forceps. PFCL naturally slides into the potential space, gradually extending the vitreous detachment peripherally. With this technique, the vitreous sheet in case of RD can easily, effectively and safely be removed with this technique.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To quantitatively compare the role of posterior vitreous detachment in macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using OCT. METHODS: A retrospective study of 36 eyes with BRVO-associated macular edema was carried out from November 2003 to February 2005. There was posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in 23 eyes [PVD (+) group], and vitreoretinal attachment on the fovea in 31 eyes [PVD (-) group]. PVD was detected with an indirect ophthalmoscope or 90D lens. The foveal thicknesses of the two groups were measured and compared. RESULTS: The mean foveal thicknesses of the PVD (-) and PVD (+) groups were 398.0+/-217.2 micrometer and 233.6+/-80.6 micrometer, respectively (p=0.000, Mann-Whitney test). The mean BCVA (log MAR) was 0.77+/-0.52 in the PVD (-) group and 0.40+/-0.37 in the PVD (+) group (p=0.002, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of macular edema associated with BRVO was significantly less in the PVD(+) group and BCVA was significantly better in the PVD (+) group as well.