Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Nancy University Hospital to determine the effectiveness of a procedure known as diagnostic vitrectomy in diagnosing uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, with an unknown cause. The study was conducted on 34 patients from January 2011 to December 2016.

Vitrectomy involves the removal of some of the fluid in the eye, for testing. The fluid was tested in two labs: one for cell analysis and the other for identifying any bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Results showed that this procedure was able to diagnose the cause in 36% of the cases. Most of these cases were found to be intraocular lymphomas, a type of cancer in the eye. Other causes identified were amyloidosis, a disease caused by buildup of abnormal proteins, CMV retinitis, an infection of the retina, and choroidal metastasis of cutaneous melanoma, a type of skin cancer that had spread to the eye.

The procedure did not provide a diagnosis in 20 patients. However, the study also found that the majority of patients experienced an improvement in their vision after the procedure.

In conclusion, the research suggests that diagnostic vitrectomy can be a valuable tool in diagnosing uveitis of unknown cause, and might also improve vision.

FAQs

  1. What is a diagnostic vitrectomy and what is it used for?
  2. What were the findings of the study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Nancy University Hospital on the effectiveness of diagnostic vitrectomy?
  3. Did the patients experience any improvements in their vision after undergoing a diagnostic vitrectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended vitrectomy are those with uveitis of unknown cause, as mentioned in the study. Other types of patients who may be recommended vitrectomy include those with diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreous hemorrhage, and endophthalmitis. Additionally, vitrectomy may also be recommended for patients with complications from cataract surgery, such as retained lens material or dropped nucleus. Ultimately, the decision to undergo vitrectomy will depend on the specific condition and individual circumstances of the patient.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of uveitis such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests such as eye exams, imaging tests, and blood tests to determine the cause of uveitis.
  3. If the cause remains unknown, the patient may be recommended for a diagnostic vitrectomy.

After vitrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the vitrectomy procedure to remove fluid from the eye for testing.
  2. The fluid is analyzed in labs to identify the cause of uveitis.
  3. Results show the cause of uveitis in some cases, such as cancer, infections, or other diseases.
  4. Some patients experience an improvement in vision after the procedure.
  5. In cases where the cause remains unknown, further treatment options may be explored based on the findings of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vitrectomy include:

  1. What is the purpose of a vitrectomy procedure?
  2. Are there any risks or potential complications associated with vitrectomy?
  3. How will the results of the procedure help in diagnosing my condition?
  4. How long is the recovery process after a vitrectomy?
  5. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the procedure?
  6. What are the chances of the procedure improving my vision?
  7. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or treatments that could be considered?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the vitrectomy?
  9. What should I do to prepare for the procedure?
  10. Are there any specific instructions I should follow post-procedure to ensure a successful recovery?

Reference

Authors: Malosse L, Angioi K, Baumann C, Rousseau H, Conart JB. Journal: J Fr Ophtalmol. 2019 Jun;42(6):618-625. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2019.03.003. Epub 2019 May 10. PMID: 31084938