VITRECTOMY FOR VITREOMACULAR TRACTION SYNDROME WITH MACULAR DETACHMENT

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics of the vitreomacular traction syndrome with macular detachment and to report our surgical experience with this condition. Methods: A retrospective chart and pho tographic review was performed on nine patients (nine eyes) who had a symptomatic decrease in visual acuity from a macular traction retinal detachment caused by vitreomacular traction syndrome. Vitrectomy was p erformed in each eye to reattach the retina. Results: Intraoperative o bservation confirmed partial posterior vitreous separation with adhere nce of the posterior hyaloid to the detached retina and separation of the posterior hyaloid from the attached retina. After surgery the macu la was reattached in seven eyes (78%). Visual acuity was improved in f our eyes, stable in four eyes, and worse in one eye. Conclusion: Macul ar detachment may occur secondary to vitreomacular traction syndrome. Although the retina may be reattached surgically in these cases, visua l improvement may be limited by chronic detachment, premacular fibrosi s, cystoid macular edema, or macular schisis.