Diabetic traction detachment.

One hundred thirty-six of 124 patients with diabetic traction detachment (TD) were observed for an average of 4.6 years (range, 3.0 to 9.4 years) with no surgical intervention. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 51 of these eyes; 71 continued to be 20/200 or better. Diabetic TDs remained stable for long periods, those of more severe grade being more stable. At final examination, 60% (81/136) were graded at the same anatomic level (36/136) or an improved level (45/136). Spontaneous reattachment occurred in 20% (27/136); 78% (21/27) of these eyes had small detachments (TD1). The status of the vitreous and the vitreoretinal adhesion determined both the degree of detachment and the incidence of spontaneous reattachment.