Our Summary

This paper reports on the benefits of using a patient’s own platelet concentrate (APC) during a specific eye surgery, called vitrectomy, for a condition known as macular hole (MH). The researchers looked at seven studies that included over 600 patients in total. They found that using APC significantly increased the chances of the macular hole closing up after surgery. They also found that there was no difference in how well patients could see after surgery, whether they had the APC treatment or not. Importantly, there were no additional complications related to using APC, such as the retinal detachment or the hole opening up again. This suggests that using APC in this type of eye surgery is both safe and effective.

FAQs

  1. What is the benefit of using a patient’s own platelet concentrate (APC) during vitrectomy?
  2. Does the use of APC during vitrectomy improve patients’ vision after surgery?
  3. Are there any additional complications related to using APC in vitrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include avoiding strenuous activity, using prescribed eye drops, and attending follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in your vision to your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with:

  1. Macular hole: A vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with a macular hole, especially if the hole is large or causing significant visual impairment.

  2. Retinal detachment: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with a retinal detachment, where the retina has pulled away from the back of the eye.

  3. Diabetic retinopathy: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can cause bleeding and scarring in the retina.

  4. Epiretinal membrane: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with an epiretinal membrane, a thin layer of scar tissue that can distort vision.

  5. Vitreous hemorrhage: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with a vitreous hemorrhage, where blood leaks into the vitreous gel inside the eye.

  6. Vitreous opacities: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with vitreous opacities, such as floaters or debris in the vitreous gel that can obstruct vision.

It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with their ophthalmologist to determine if vitrectomy is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a macular hole and is referred to an ophthalmologist
  • Ophthalmologist discusses treatment options, including vitrectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Surgery date is scheduled
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure

After vitrectomy:

  • Patient arrives at the surgical center and undergoes the vitrectomy procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery area before being discharged home
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, blurred vision, and redness in the eye in the days following surgery
  • Patient is instructed to use prescribed eye drops and follow-up appointments are scheduled
  • Over the following weeks and months, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the eye heals
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications
  • In cases where APC is used during surgery, the patient may experience a higher rate of successful closure of the macular hole without additional complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a vitrectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of vitrectomy surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after vitrectomy surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. How likely is it that my macular hole will close up after surgery without using APC?
  6. What is the success rate of using APC during vitrectomy surgery for macular hole closure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my condition?
  8. How experienced are you in performing vitrectomy surgeries with APC?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make to improve my chances of a successful outcome after vitrectomy surgery with APC?

Reference

Authors: Wang Y, Xu Z, Zhao X, Meng L, Yang J, Chen Y. Journal: Retina. 2023 Nov 1;43(11):1833-1841. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003888. PMID: 37607135