Pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy. A report of 8 years' experience.

Vitrectomies have been performed on 299 cases of dense diabetic vitreous hemorrhages and been followed for 6 months. A successful visual result was obtained in 61% of the cases. The vitreous remained clear in 71% of the cases, and the maculas were attached in 66% of the cases 6 months following surgery. 168 cases of traction macular detachments underwent vitrectomy, and had 6-month follow-up examinations. Significant visual improvement was obtained in 26% of the cases, with stabilization of the preoparative vision in an additional 37% of the cases. The vitreous cavity was clear in at least 64% of the cases, and the macula attached in at least 52% of the cases. 86 cases had both dense vitreous hemorrhages and traction macular detachments, and had 6-month postoperative examinations, with significant visual improvement having been obtained in 31% of the cases, and stabilization of the preoperative vision in an additional 33% of the cases. The postoperative vitreous cavities were clear in 59% of the cases, and the maculas attached in at least 45% of the cases.