Surgical results of stage V retrolental fibroplasia and timing of surgical repair.

Analysis of forty Stage V RLF eyes which underwent lensectomy, pars plicata vitrectomy, membrane peeling and scleral buckling surgery with a minimum 6-month follow-up is presented. Anatomic reattachment was achieved in 45% of eyes. Functional success was achieved in 30% of eyes. Prognostic indicators such as the configuration of the tractional detachment, vascularization of the iris and retrolenticular membrane were analyzed. This analysis showed that timing of surgery may alter surgical success. This information, coupled with the variable rates of progression of the RLF process, suggests more frequent examination of the children at risk than is currently suggested is necessary to allow maximum benefit.