Clinical Results of Pars Plana Vitrectomy on Posterior Segment Complications in Posterior Uveitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical results of pars plana vitrectomy on posterior segment complications in posterior uveitis. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 20 eyes of 19 uveitis patients who were followed up for 6 months or more after vitrectomy. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 20 months. Final visual acuity improved in 10 eyes (50%), was maintained in 6 (30%), and decreased in 4 (20%). The mean improvement of vision was 1.6 lines (p=0.019). Detached retina was reattached in 8 (80%) among the 10 eyes with primary surgery. Postoperative complications were cataract (7 eyes), macular degeneration (2 eyes), retinal detachment (2 eyes), and recurrence (1 eye). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pars plana vitrectomy may be a safe and effective treatment for posterior segment complications in posterior uveitis, but that early and complete vitrectomy should be considered for a better visual prognosis.