Vision in stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity after retinal reattachment by open-sky vitrectomy.

Performing vitrectomy in stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity is controversial, partially due to limited anatomical and poor reported visual results. Fifty-five eyes of 50 patients whose retinas were reattached by open-sky vitrectomy in stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity and who were followed up for more than 12 months were analyzed retrospectively to ascertain clinical factors that may influence visual outcome. Vision was evaluated by preferential looking. Visual ability to discriminate stationary objects was obtained in 32 (58.2%) eyes, 18 (32.7%) had motion perception, and five (9.1%) had light stimulus perception. Although visual acuities were relatively low, they were useful to these patients. Age at the time of vitrectomy and the shape of the retinal detachment were found to be important factors in predicting visual prognosis.