Faculty Collaboration Database

Reversible loss of light perception after vitreoretinal surgery. Am J Ophthalmol 1995 Dec;120(6):751-6

Date

12/01/1995

Pubmed ID

8540548

DOI

10.1016/s0002-9394(14)72728-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0028785204 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: We studied reversible loss of light perception after vitreoretinal surgery to show that functional vision can return in some patients.

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of seven patients who had postoperative reversible loss of light perception in the eye that underwent vitreoretinal surgery. Differences in the postoperative courses and interventions were studied.

RESULTS: Five of the seven patients had diabetes mellitus but none had hypertension. The indications for vitreoretinal surgery were severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy in five patients and retinal detachment with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy in two patients. Seven patients had reversible loss of light perception within the first three postoperative days. Six of the seven patients had an intraocular pressure greater than 26 mm Hg at the time the eye had no light perception. Decreasing the intraocular pressure was associated with return of light perception in five of seven patients. Return of useful vision was gradual. Four of seven patients had a visual acuity of 20/400 or better one month after surgery, and all seven had a visual acuity of 20/400 or better three months after surgery. Visual acuity in four eyes improved further to 20/70 or better at six months or more after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Reversible loss of light perception after vitreoretinal surgery does occur in some patients. Monitoring vision and intraocular pressure is important because prompt treatment may assist in the recovery of functional vision.

Author List

Kangas TA, Bennett SR, Flynn HW Jr, Murray TG, Rubsamen PE, Han DP, Mieler WF, Williams DF, Abrams GW

Author

Dennis Han MD Emeritus Professor in the Ophthalmology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Anterior Chamber
Diabetic Retinopathy
Drainage
Female
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Light
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications
Punctures
Retina
Time Factors
Vision Disorders
Vision, Ocular
Visual Acuity
Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative
Vitreous Body