Pars plana vitrectomy for the management of severe diabetic retinopathy: an analysis of results five years following surgery.

The general characteristics, preoperative findings, and operative procedures of 56 consecutive eyes having pars plana vitrectomies for complications of diabetic retinopathy are presented in this paper. Of the 34 eyes available for follow-up examinations five years after surgery, 50% had ambulating vision and 15% had 20/40 or better visual acuities. The vitreous cavities were clear in 59% and the maculae attached in 50% of the 34 eyes.