Visual field results after vitreous surgery in a case series of patients with open-angle glaucoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Visual field loss is a complication of vitrectomy and a concern for patients with glaucoma. Our objective was to determine w hether vitrectomy is associated with new field defects in patients with gla ucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series involved 7 eyes of 7 p atients, who had open-angle glaucoma and underwent vitrectomy for macular h ole (2) or epiretinal membrane (5). RESULTS: Acuity improved by at least two lines in 5 eyes. Visual fields sho wed a change in mean deviation following vitrectomy (mean difference -1.50 dB, P=0.0006, paired Student's t-test), One eye had confirmed progression o f a pre-existing visual field defect, but no new defects were apparent in t he other eyes. Transient intraocular pressure rises requiring therapy occur red in 3 eyes. One eye developed macular edema, but no other operative comp lications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our small case series suggest that vitrectomy m ay be an acceptable intervention in eyes with glaucoma and co-existing macu lar problems.