Treatment of vitreoretinal disorders in the developing world: indications and outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery in Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for retinal disorders at Tilganga Eye Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Design: Retrospective noncomparative case series.

Participants: Records of 255 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery from December 2000 to January 2003 were reviewed.

Methods: Demographics, diagnoses, duration of symptoms, vision, and examination findings were noted before and after vitreoretinal surgery.

Main outcome measures: Postoperative data were categorized by surgery type and analyzed by anatomic success, symptoms, and visual acuity (VA).

Results: Sixteen percent of patients had >6/60 vision preoperatively, and the mean duration of vision loss before presentation was 4.9 months. Major indications for surgery were retinal detachment (RD) (75%) and vitreous hemorrhage (19%). Anatomic success was achieved in 74.5% of patients. Postoperatively, 39% of patients experienced improved VA, with 33% obtaining >6/60 vision.

Conclusions: Despite prolonged duration of vision loss at presentation, vitreoretinal surgery in the developing world can restore useful vision in many patients with RD and vitreous hemorrhage.