[Vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema associated with hyaloid posterior traction]

The vitreomacular relationship has been demonstrated to play a role in the physiopathology of the diabetic macular edema. We review the functional and anatomic results of vitrectomy performed on four eyes of three patients with diabetic cystoid macular edema unresolved by photocoagulation. The preoperative visual acuity was "finger counting" at one meter to 1/20. After surgery, for three eyes, the visual acuity raised between 2/10 and 4/10. There was no change for one eye, which presented a subretinal fibrosis. The macular edema resolved in three eyes and improved in one eye. The mean postoperative follow-up is 13 months. The vitrectomy may be effective in cases of diabetic macular traction and edema without posterior vitreous detachment.