SURGICAL RESULTS IN THE VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME

Purpose The vitreomacular traction syndrome is a rare entity in which partial posterior vitreous detachment is combined with persistent macu lar adherence, thus causing macular traction. In most cases, an epimac ular membrane is associated with this vitreomacular traction. We evalu ate here the results of vitreous surgery for this syndrome. Methods We reviewed 18 consecutive eyes that had undergone vitrectomy and poster ior epiretinal membrane stripping, to define the visual results and co mplications of surgery for the vitreomacular traction syndrome. Minimu m follow-up was 3 months. Results Patients' average age was 63.5 years . All had evidence of cystic macular changes on biomicroscopic examina tion. Sixteen patients had an epiretinal membrane, and two, a full-thi ckness macular hole. Cystoid macular edema was present in 7 eyes on fl uorescein angiography. The release of vitreomacular traction improved vision in 72% of eyes, with six patients obtaining 20/40 visual acuity or better. Complications of surgery included progression of nuclear s clerosis, and epiretinal membrane formation. Conclusion Vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction syndrome may improve visual acuity, but the vi sual prognosis remains poor.