Silicone oil for progressive anterior ocular neovascularization after failed diabetic vitrectomy
B. W. McCuen 2nd and J. S. Rinkoff
Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC 27710.
We have performed revision of vitrectomy and silicone oil injection in 18
eyes that developed advanced iris neovascularization and/or anterior
hyaloidal fibrovascular proliferation complicated by retinal detachment or
media opacity after vitreous surgery for the complications of proliferative
diabetic retinopathy. Stabilization or regression of the anterior ocular
neovascular changes was noted in 83% of the eyes. Sustained retinal
attachment was achieved in 56% of the eyes, with visual acuity improving to
20/400 or better in 28% of the eyes. Posterior segment vascular and
avascular reproliferation was the major cause of anatomic failure, while
generalized retinal vascular ischemia was felt to be the principal cause of
poor visual results despite retinal attachment. Revision of vitrectomy with
silicone oil injection is of limited value in the management of complicated
and advanced anterior ocular neovascularization after unsuccessful
vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy.
