360 degrees retinectomy in severe anterior PVR and PDR

We reviewed 30 cases of 360 degrees retinectomy in advanced anterior PVR or PDR with anterior traction. The preoperative visual acuity was light perce ption or hand motions. In all cases, a 360 degrees retinectomy with silicon e oil tamponade was performed. After a mean follow-up of 10 months, the ret ina was attached in 83% and the visual acuity had improved in 47% of the pa tients. The mean visual field in patients with a visual acuity of more than counting fingers extended to 29 degrees nasally and 38 degrees temporally. Hypotony was seen in 6 patients, of whom two developed keratopathy. In con clusion, eyes with severe PDR or PVR and a preoperative low visual acuity c an be treated successfully with 360 degrees retinectomy when conventional m ethods have failed. The patients can regain an ambulatory visual acuity and a visual field.