Factors Predisposing to Good Visual Acuity after Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Yoon, Tae Jin; Oum, Boo Sup

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the incidence and predisposing factors of a visual acuity of 0.5 or better after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinpopathy. METHODS: The factors that could affect visual acuity in 267 eyes of 215 diabetic patients who had undergone vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were calculated retrospectively. The factors were compared between 2 patient groups: postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better and of less than 0.5. The statistical significance of differences in factors between the 2 groups was calculated. RESULTS: In 62 (23.2%) of the eyes, postoperative visual acuity was 0.5 or better. Univariate analysis revealed that the patients in the group with better visual acuity were younger, and had no macular detachment, no intraocular tamponade, low level of HbA1c preoperatively, and no cataract surgery (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better was associated with no macular detachment, younger age, and a preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who undergo vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications are more likely to achieve visual acuity of 0.5 or better if they have not had macular detachment, are younger, and have a preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better.