SUBOPTIMAL VISION AFTER VITREOUS SURGERY IN DIABETICS

Between 1979-1985, 105 diabetic patients underwent vitreous surgery fo r diabetic eye disease in one or both eyes. By spring 1991, 40 patient s (38%) had died, and 36 (55%) of the living 65 patients had good or m oderate vision (visual acuity, VA greater-than-or-equal-to 0.3 in the better eye), 13 (20%) had low vision (VA 0.05-0.25), and 16 (25%) were blind (VA < 0.05). For 19 of the 65 patients (29%) impaired vision wa s the main factor that limited independent activities. Of the 29 patie nts with the suboptimal vision, 2 were employed, and none needed insti tutional care. Nine (31%) participated in all household activities, an d 14 (48%) were able to read. Near vision aids were used by 14 of the 19 patients (74%) with ambulatory vision (VA greater-than-or-equal-to CF), but only 2 of them (11%) had accepted telescopic aids. Eight pati ents (28%) had a guide dog. In spite of vitreoretinal surgery, almost half of diabetic patients may end up with suboptimal vision, emphasizi ng the need for active visual rehabilitation.