Corneal surface changes after pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal topography
• Surgical outcomes

Background:

• Pars plana vitrectomy and encircling buckling are common ophthalmic surgical procedures.
• Understanding their impact on corneal shape is crucial for patient management and visual rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the transient and long-term changes in corneal shape following pars plana vitrectomy, encircling buckling, or combined surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 61 eyes undergoing one of three surgical procedures.
• Corneal topography (videokeratography) and visual acuity were measured preoperatively and at multiple postoperative time points (2 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months).
• Analysis included corneal surface cylinder, simulated keratometry, regularity, asymmetry, and power indices.

Main Results:

• All measured corneal topographic indices showed statistically significant deviations from baseline at 2 days and 1 week postoperatively across all surgical groups.
• By 1 month and continuing to 3 months postoperatively, corneal measurements returned to preoperative values.
• Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was significantly different from preoperative values.

Conclusions:

• Pars plana vitrectomy, encircling buckling, and combined procedures induce significant, albeit temporary, alterations in corneal surface topography.
• Corneal shape measurements normalize by one month after surgery and remain stable up to three months.
• These findings are important for interpreting postoperative visual function and corneal health.