The role of vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Several conditions, such as detachment from posterior breaks or detachment with significant media opacities, may warrant vitrectomy as the primary procedure. In cases in which the preoperative retinal view is clear and a posterior break is definitively excluded, vitrectomy does not appear to offer significant advantage over scleral buckling other than a theoretically improved ability to examine the retina microscopically with scleral depression. Performing a vitrectomy for an uncomplicated retinal detachment from a small peripheral break in which scleral buckling would be the usual procedure of choice remains controversial. Although it may avoid the complications of scleral buckling, vitrectomy does have its own potential complications. The status of the lens, cornea, and configuration of the retinal tears and detachment should carefully be considered before vitrectomy. Proper patient selection and appropriate education are important factors in a successful outcome. Finally, from an economic viewpoint, the likelihood of success with vitrectomy in one procedure compared with other less expensive procedures should be considered.