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Study shows vitrectomy may protect eyes from AMD

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NEW YORK — Eyes that undergo vitrectomy may have decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, according to Tongalp H. Tezel, MD.

At the meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists here, Dr. Tezel told attendees that eyes that underwent vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid separation had a decreased odds ratio for developing AMD.

Dr. Tezel’s study tracked the incidence of AMD in the eyes of 222 patients who were treated for either macular holes or macular puckers. During a mean follow-up of 22 months, the study compared the patients’ vitrectomized eyes to their nonvitrectomized fellow eyes.

Dr. Tezel said three vitrectomized eyes and seven nonvitrectomized eyes developed AMD. Using Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates, Dr. Tezel estimated a 0.13 probability of developing AMD after vitrectomy compared to a 0.30 probability if vitrectomy is not performed.

The possible reasons behind this difference, “may include the relief of traction on the retinal pigment epithelium sensory retina complex, down-regulation of angiogenic stimulus due to increased oxygen diffusion and release of anti-angiogenic cytokines during or after the surgical trauma,” Dr. Tezel said.