Vitrectomy for macular traction caused by incomplete vitreous separation
W. E. Smiddy, R. G. Michels, B. M. Glaser and S. deBustros
Vitreoretinal Surgery Service, Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 16 eyes to release vitreomacular
traction. All patients had a symptomatic preoperative decrease in visual
acuity, most often to 20/200. Partial detachment of the posterior vitreous
surface was associated with vitreoretinal attachment remaining in the area
of the macula and sometimes to the optic nerve head. The posterior vitreous
traction on the macula was released by tangential traction on the posterior
vitreous surface, causing it to separate from the retina. The postoperative
vision was the same or improved in each case. No operative complications
occurred, but progressive nuclear sclerosis developed postoperatively in
five of the 15 phakic eyes.
