[Results of pars plana vitrectomy in chronic uveitis in childhood].

During 1986-1991 vitreous surgery was performed in 5 girls and 8 boys (age range 2-15 years) with chronic uveitis. In 6 cases a combined lensectomy-vitrectomy was performed because cataract was present, so that the results generally refer to 19 eyes. We found a low rate of postoperative complications. During a follow-up period of 6 months to 5 years (average 2 years and 1 month), 12 of the 19 eyes showed a significant visual improvement. Preoperatively, 8 eyes were found to be affected by cystoid macular edema; in 7 of these cases remarkable regression of the edema was observed after surgery. In two-thirds of cases the intensity of the inflammation decreased, so that the dose of corticosteroids could be reduced postoperatively. Our results suggest that vitrectomy for chronic uveitis in children is a relatively safe and successful treatment. In order to prevent irreversible complications and amblyopia surgery should be performed in an early stage of the disease.