Pars plana vitrectomy an option for persistent vitreous opacities
NEW YORK — Pars plana vitrectomy was efficacious and had a similar risk profile to other procedures for the treatment of symptomatic vitreous opacities, according to a study presented here.
Samuel Houston, MD, FASRS, said that while para plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a known treatment for floaters, some retina specialists do not perform it due to concerns about complications.
“Anecdotally, we discussed that complication rates were low, and we were comfortable performing these procedures [in our practice],” he said at the American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting. “The purpose of this study was to assess the complication profile of a large multicenter cases series for vitrectomy for vitreous opacities.”
The retrospective study comprised 725 eyes that underwent 23- or 25-gauge PPV with removal of vitreous opacities between 2014 and 2022. Patients were monitored for 6 months for any complications.
About 17% of patients required intraoperative laser treatment for retinal pathologies discovered during surgery, including retinal tear (7.59%) and lattice degeneration (5.38%).
During the postoperative follow-up period, Houston said 92% of cases did not have any surgical complications, and there were no cases of endophthalmitis. The most common complication was elevated IOP (12.69%) followed by vitreous hemorrhage (1.52%).
“The risks vary depending on patient selection criteria, including lens status and [posterior vitreous detachment] status,” Houston said. “Vitrectomy for vitreous opacities should be considered for patients with persistent symptoms that affect [activities of daily living].”
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Houston S, et al. Pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous opacities: Large multicenter case series. Presented at: American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting; July 13-16, 2022; New York.
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