[Neovascularization and surgery].

To explore surgical treatment for intraocular neovascularization, the following basic and clinical studies were performed. An experimental model of intraocular neovascularization was developed by placing a pellet, containing basic fibroblast growth factor, on the rabbit retina. The effects of panretinal photocoagulation, experimental retinal vein obstruction and intravitreal administration of fluorometholone or tetrahydrodeoxycortisol were studied with this experimental model. The intraocular distribution of oxygen tension was measured during vitrectomy. Oxygen tension was higher above the neovascularization and above the optic disc, as compared to the midvitreous cavity in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. No difference was observed between above the photocoagulated retina and the non-photocoagulated retina. Of 634 consecutive diabetic vitrectomy eyes, studied, preoperative traction detachment was observed in 501 (79.0%). The retina was completely reattached in 532 eyes (83.9%) and visual acuity was improved in 408 (64.4%). Aqueous flare, quantitatively measured by laser flare-cell meter, correlated well with severity of diabetic retinopathy. Aqueous flare in the early postvitrectomy course was higher in cases which required eventual revision than in cases with favorable postoperative course.