ABSTRACT
We reviewed the charts of 223 patients (236 eyes) with idiopathic preretinal fibrosis, dividing them into two groups: those who only had been observed, and those who, after an observation period, had the membranes surgically removed. All of the patients had been followed from 6 to 120 months (mean, 29 months). Vision in the nonsurgical group slowly deteriorated and was accompanied by metamorphopsia. More rapid visual deterioration occurred in 60 eyes (25%), of which 37 (16%) required surgery. Vision in 78% of the surgical group improved, with the greatest subjective benefit considered to be subsidence of metamorphosia. Vision spontaneously improved in 2.5% of the cases.
Subject(s)
Retina/pathology , Aged , Female , Fibrosis/surgery , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Macular Degeneration/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications , Retina/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
Retrobulbar anesthesia produces effective local anesthesia for ocular surgery, but significant complications have been reported with its use. To maintain its efficacy and to minimize the risks associated with the passage of a needle behind the eye, we have placed local anesthesia into sub-Tenon's space posteriorly using a blunt irrigating cannula in 100 patients undergoing vitreous or retinal procedures. Posterior Tenon's capsule is opened by blunt dissection, allowing the irrigating cannula to be passed into the posterior sub-Tenon's space for anesthetic injection. The technique was effective in 98 of 100 patients, and no morbidity was associated with its use.
