Purpose To assess the role of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for symptomatic v
itreous opacification in a series of patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uve
itis (FHU).
Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of 13 patients with FHU who u
nderwent vitrectomy for vitreous opacification between April 1989 and Decem
ber 1998.
Results An improvement in visual symptoms was recorded in all patients, 9 o
f 13 (69%) demonstrating at least a 2 line increase in Snellen visual acuit
y. All but one patient attained 6/9 or better visual acuity postoperatively
. Surgery was uneventful and did not appear to exacerbate any existing intr
aocular inflammation.
Conclusion From this series we conclude that PPV has an important role in t
he management of patients with FHU who present with symptomatic vitreous op
acification.