[Vitrectomy for diabetic cystoid macular edema]

We evaluated the visual outcome of vitrectomy for diabetic cystoid macular edema.

Visual outcome and factors which may influence final visual acuity were assessed and documented retrospectively in 45 eyes of 40 patients, all of whom were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively.

Final postoperative visual acuity was two or more lines better than preoperative visual acuity in 58%, within one line in 40%, and had decreased by two lines or more in 2%. A final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved in 38%. Preoperative visual acuity and the extent of the cystoid space on fluorescein angiography were significantly related to final visual acuity. A final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better was noted in 8% of eyes with a preoperative visual acuity below 0.1, in 50% of eyes with preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better, in 71% of eyes with a cystoid space smaller than 5 disc areas, and in 20% of eyes with a cystoid space of 5 disc areas or more. The posterior vitreous membrane condition did not influence final visual acuity. There were no complications which decreased visual acuity.

Based on the above results, we conclude that diabetic cystoid macular edema is a good indication for vitrectomy regardless of the posterior vitreous membrane condition. A preoperative visual acuity of 0.1 or better and/or a cystoid space smaller than 5 disc areas may be indications for surgery aimed at achieving a final postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better.