[Pupillary dilatation with Eckardt iris retraction sutures within the scope of vitreoretinal surgery. A follow-up study].

In cases of complicated vitreoretinal surgery, maximal mydriasis is necessary. Preexisting or intraoperatively occurring miosis in aphakic eyes can be remedied by the iris suture by Eckardt. In our hospital, the iris suture technique was carried out in 31 cases. The postoperative situation depends on the extent of retraction of the iris sutures and the general course of the disease. At maximal retraction, the iris is forced against the ciliary body, causing persisting synechias; therefore, to us it seems important to separate all synechias after opening the iris sutures. The formation of anterior loops is also possible. Thus, it is essential to release the endangered segments behind the ciliary body and at the base of the vitreous body from tractive elements immediately after opening the iris sutures. Based on our present experience, we think non-maximal retraction of the iris is desirable. It offers enough view of the fundus and reduces the complications mentioned above.