Our Summary

This study investigates the presence of leftover bits of eye tissue (referred to as vitreous cortex remnants or VCR) in patients who’ve had a type of retinal detachment where a hole or tear allows fluid into the space beneath the retina (known as primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or RRD). They also looked at the effectiveness of using a tool with a diamond-dusted edge (DDMS) to remove this leftover tissue during a specific type of eye surgery (pars plana vitrectomy or PPV).

Out of 187 patients studied, about half (46%) had these leftovers which were then removed during surgery. These patients were generally older than those who didn’t have the VCR. While their vision before the operation was slightly worse than those without VCR, the difference was not significant. After surgery, there were no noticeable differences in eyesight between the two groups. The success rate of the surgery and the incidence of further complications were also similar between the two groups.

In conclusion, VCR was found in nearly half of the patients studied, especially older ones. Removing these remnants during surgery led to good results, comparable to those in patients without any VCR.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)?
  2. What is the role of the diamond-dusted edge (DDMS) tool in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV)?
  3. How does the presence of vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) affect the success rate and post-surgery vision of patients undergoing PPV?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about vitrectomy is to be aware that leftover bits of eye tissue (VCR) may be present in some patients, especially older individuals. However, removing these remnants during surgery can lead to good results and comparable outcomes to those without VCR. Trust in the expertise of your surgeon and follow post-operative care instructions closely for the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who have had a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and have leftover bits of eye tissue (VCR) may be recommended for vitrectomy surgery, particularly if they are older. This study suggests that removing these remnants during surgery can lead to good outcomes, with similar success rates and complication rates compared to patients without VCR.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a retinal detachment, specifically a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
  2. Patient may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, flashes of light, and floaters in their vision.
  3. Patient undergoes consultations and tests to determine the best course of treatment, which may include a vitrectomy.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and patient receives pre-operative instructions and guidance.

After vitrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes vitrectomy surgery to repair the retinal detachment and remove any leftover bits of eye tissue (VCR) if present.
  2. Patient may experience post-operative discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye.
  3. Patient is monitored closely by their healthcare team for any signs of complications or infection.
  4. Over time, patient’s vision gradually improves as the eye heals and the retina reattaches.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to assess the success of the surgery and monitor their recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is vitrectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  3. How will the surgery affect my vision and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to vitrectomy that I should consider?
  6. How experienced are you in performing vitrectomy surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of vitrectomy for patients with my specific condition?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. How can I best prepare for the surgery and what should I expect during the procedure?
  10. Are there any specific signs or symptoms I should watch out for after the surgery that may indicate complications?

Reference

Authors: Wakabayashi T, Mahmoudzadeh R, Salabati M, Garg SJ, Ho AC, Spirn MJ. Journal: Curr Eye Res. 2022 Oct;47(10):1444-1449. doi: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2103154. Epub 2022 Jul 26. PMID: 35838170