Surgical outcomes for vitrectomy in Eales' disease

Abstract

Aim: To present and analyse the anatomical and functional outcomes for vitrectomy in Eales' disease.

Methods: This retrospective case series enrolled 63 patients (71 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the complications of Eales' disease. Indications included nonclearing vitreous haemorrhage (VH) with/without epiretinal membranes in 49 (69%) eyes, and retinal detachments (RD) involving/threatening macula in 22 (31%). Additional procedures (scleral buckling; gas/oil tamponade) were performed at surgeon's discretion. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. The primary outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and posterior segment status.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.6 years (range: 15-70 years); 60 were male (95%). Preoperatively, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) existed in 28 (39.4%) eyes. Forty (56.3%) eyes underwent only PPV; the rest required additional surgical procedures (q.v.). The mean baseline BCVA (1/60) improved to 6/24 postoperatively (P<0.0001). Fifty-four eyes of 50 patients (76%) showed an improvement of > or =2 equivalent Snellen lines; six eyes (four patients) remained stable (+/-1 line); visual acuity worsened in 11 eyes (nine patients). The mean final BCVA was similar in eyes operated for VH and RD (P=0.08); but the magnitude of change from baseline was greater in the VH group (P=0.009). PVD had a borderline association with final BCVA (P=0.056); but did not influence the functional/anatomical improvement. Thirteen eyes required repeat interventions; 11 (15.49%) eyes experienced surgical failure.

Conclusions: Although surgical outcomes in Eales' disease depend on preoperative PVD/RD to some extent; good results are possible in the presence of incomplete PVD and tractional sequelae.