[Use of enzyme in vitreoretinal surgery]

The aim of using enzymes in vitreoretinal surgery is to facility PVD and create pharmacological vitrectomy. It can be achieved by liquefying the gel structure of the vitreous (synchisis) and weakening of adherence of the posterior vitreous cortex to retina (syneresis). The article reviews currently used enzymes in vitreoretinal surgery (plasmin, hyaluronidase, dispase, chondroitinase, collagenase, urokinase, TPA--tissue plasminogen activator) and presents potential profits and side-effects related to their use. Although the day when vitreous surgery is replaced by pharmacological vitreolisis remains still as a future, these enzymes hold great promise. Additionally it has been proved that enzymes can be used successfully as an intraoperative adjuvant in vitrectomy.