Vitrectomy as a Substitute for PRP on the High-risk PDR Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This research is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitrectomy on early vision recovery compared to that of panretinal photocoagulation for the high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 84 high-risk PDR patients (100 eyes) who had undergone panretinal photocoagulation or vitrectomy under the diagnosis the high-risk PDR and followed up at least 12 months. Authors divided them into two different groups; one with who received PRP, and another with vitrectomy. We investigated both groups' vision change every 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment. RESULTS: The Vitrectomy group patients showed higher percentage of vision improvement and lower percentage of vision decrease (p< or =0.05) than the PRP group patients in 3rd and 6th month. Macular edema decreased in the Vitrectomy group and increased in the PRP group in the 3rd month. Need for additional surgery due to complication showed 26% in the PRP group, and 12% in the Vitrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude the vitrectomy is more efficient method than PRP for high-risk PDR patients who are in need of early vision recovery.