Our Summary

This study looked at the long-term effects and potential complications of a specific eye surgery - pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with a certain type of lens (Akreos AO60) attached with Gore-Tex sutures. This was a retrospective study, meaning the researchers looked back at past data, and involved 97 patients who had the procedure between 2015 and 2020.

The researchers specifically wanted to see how this surgery affected uncorrected visual acuity (essentially, how well patients could see without glasses or contacts), the types and rates of complications, and refraction (how well the eye bends light).

After analyzing data from 101 eyes, they found that on average, patients’ vision improved from a 20/200 to a 20/80 score 6 months after the surgery. They also found that complications were fairly rare and mostly happened in the first month after surgery. These complications, which included low eye pressure, high eye pressure, corneal swelling, cystoid macular edema (swelling in the retina), and vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding into the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina), either resolved on their own or were treatable with medication.

In terms of refraction, about 62% of patients had a measurement of ± 2.0 diopters between 3 and 6 months after the surgery. This suggests that for most patients, the surgery didn’t drastically affect how their eye bends light.

Overall, the study concluded that this type of surgery is generally safe and well-tolerated, with a low rate of complications over the long term. The occurrence of lens clouding was also found to be infrequent even up to 62 months after the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and 4-point Gore-Tex-sutured Akreos AO60 intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation?
  2. What are the most common complications of this surgical technique and how often do they occur?
  3. What were the improvements in uncorrected visual acuity (VA) after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing vitrectomy to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including attending all follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications and ensure proper healing. They may also recommend avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a certain period of time to prevent any strain on the eyes. Additionally, the doctor may stress the importance of maintaining good overall eye health through regular check-ups and following a healthy lifestyle.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended vitrectomy include those with conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous hemorrhage, and complications from cataract surgery such as dislocated or subluxated lenses. These patients may have aphakia or lack capsular support, necessitating intraocular lens fixation during the vitrectomy procedure.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy, a patient may experience visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or floaters, due to conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, or vitreous hemorrhage. They may also have undergone diagnostic tests, such as optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography, to determine the underlying cause of their vision problems.

After vitrectomy, the patient typically experiences improved visual acuity, with the potential for further improvement over time. However, they may also experience complications such as hypotony, ocular hypertension, corneal edema, cystoid macular edema, or vitreous hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative period. These complications can often be managed with medical treatment and tend to resolve within the first few weeks to months after surgery. Long-term follow-up is important to monitor for any late-onset complications or changes in visual acuity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a vitrectomy in my specific case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after vitrectomy surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes in terms of visual acuity and refraction after the surgery?
  5. How long will I need to follow up with you after the vitrectomy surgery?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should be aware of?
  7. How will the vitrectomy surgery impact my overall eye health in the long term?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to vitrectomy that I should consider?
  9. What is the success rate of vitrectomy surgery in cases like mine?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to protect my eyes?

Reference

Authors: Pardini D, Lucatto LF, Junior OM, Maia A, Hammamji K, Dirani A, Rezende FA, Maia BT, Rodrigues EB, Roizenblatt M, Maia M. Journal: Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Jan;7(1):59-66. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.07.006. Epub 2022 Jul 16. PMID: 35850442