VITRECTOMY ALONE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF UNCOMPLICATED RECURRENT RETINAL DETACHMENTS

Background: The role of vitrectomy for the treatment of uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments has not been defined clearly. The author s report their experience with vitrectomy alone for the management of such cases. Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy with internal subretinal fl uid drainage and long-term tamponade was performed on nine patients wi th uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments after primary scleral b uckling surgery. The duration of follow-up was a minimum of 6 months ( mean, 39 months). Results: Anatomic success was achieved after the ini tial reoperation in seven eyes (78%). The overall success rate was 89% . The visual acuity was 20/30 or better in three patients, 20/40 to 20 /80 in three patients, and 20/200 in two patients. Complications inclu ded progressive nuclear sclerosis and macular pucker. Conclusion: Vitr ectomy is effective and may have advantages over other methods for the management of uncomplicated recurrent retinal detachments.