Vitrectomy for vitreous opacification in Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis

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.