One hundred consecutive pars plana vitrectomies using the vitrophage

Abstract

One hundred consecutive eyes underwent vitrectomy with the disposable vitrophage via a pars plana approach. Eyes were divided into two main categories based on opacity location-in the anterior or posterior segment. Patients with posterior segment opacities had diabetic retinopathy, nondiabetic vitreous hemorrhages, retinal detachments associated with vitreous hemorrhage, bands, or membranes, and intraocular foreign bodies or silicone oil. Patients with anterior segment opacities were treated for pupillary membranes resulting from surgical trauma or perforating injuries, and for complications following cataract extraction, such as capsule breakage and vitreous loss. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved in 68% of eyes with posterior segment opacities and in 85% of eyes with anterior segment opacities. Overall, visual acuity was 20/300 or better in 45% of eyes. There were only two intraoperative retinal tears and one postoperative rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.