Purpose: Vitrectomy for severe tractional retinal detachments is a high-risk procedure given the surgical complexity and potential for postoperative complications. The risk is compounded when operating on monocular patients. We developed a novel technique using hyaloidal removal and minimal relaxing membranectomies for tractional retinal detachments with an opacified hyaloid over the fovea in monocular, diabetic patients and evaluated complications and outcomes.
Methods: The technique was performed in nine monocular, diabetic patients with decreased visual acuity from opaque hyaloid with centripetal tractional retinal detachments. Outcomes included postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, retinal reattachment rate, redetachments, and complications.
Results: Average age was 58 years (range 43-74) and the average follow-up time was 43.6 months (range 36-64). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 logMAR (20/200 - Hand Motion) with a mean of 1.39 logMAR (20/500). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity at last follow-up ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 logMAR (20/30-20/200) with a mean of 0.49 logMAR (20/60) ( P < 0.001). All eyes had attached posterior poles at last follow-up. Complications were observed in two eyes and included nonclearing hemorrhage and capsular opacity.
Conclusion: Vitrectomy with minimal, relaxing membranectomies is an option for monocular patients in whom intervention is needed, but are at high risk for complications.