Surgical Results of Vitrectomy in Ocular Trauma

Lee, G J; Kim, S Y

Abstract

Despite steady advances in surgical instrumentation and technique, ocular trauma continues to be a leading cause of visual loss. Almost half of the patients with posterior penetrating injuries were left severe visual impairment. We reviewed 82(82 patients) consecutive eyes treated by pars plana vitrectomy for severe injury with posterior segment involvement. We have used statistical analysis to evaluate the results of vitrectomy in traumatized eyes and to determine the factors influencing the visual outcome. Additionally, the effects of the timing of vitrectomy on final vision and the usefulness of prophylactic scleral buckling were analyzed. The prognosis was better in cases with intraocular foreign bodies and worse in cases with retinal detachment. Prophylactic scleral buckling appeared to reduce the incidence of postoperative retinal detachment. The eyes that underwent vitrectomy within 14 days after injury had a better final visual outcome than those that underwent vitrectomy later. If vitrectomy is required for patients with ocular injury, we recommend vitrectomy within 2 weeks following trauma for better chance for preserving the globe and salvaging vision.