Elevation of intraocular pressure after pars plana vitrectomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Science

Background:

• Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure.
• Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a potential postoperative complication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and causes of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after pars plana vitrectomy using the vitrophage.
• To compare IOP changes between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 118 eyes undergoing vitrectomy over one year.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using applanation tonometry.
• Postoperative IOP increase was defined as a rise of at least 10 mm Hg above preoperative levels.

Main Results:

• Overall, 28% of eyes developed increased IOP postoperatively.
• Diabetic eyes showed a significantly higher incidence of increased IOP (49%) compared to non-diabetic eyes (12%).
• Eleven diabetic eyes (22%) required surgical intervention for IOP control, while non-diabetic cases were medically controllable or transient.

Conclusions:

• Diabetic patients are at a substantially higher risk for developing postoperative intraocular pressure elevation after vitrectomy.
• The incidence and severity of IOP increase and the need for surgical management are significantly greater in diabetic eyes.
• Postoperative rubeosis iridis was exclusively observed in diabetic eyes, suggesting a link to diabetes status and IOP complications.