[Cryotherapy in the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage of various origin]

In 54 eyes from the same number of patients transconjunctival cryotherapy was performed (12 points and 8-10 circular ones in the outer retinal periphery) to influence the absorption of vitreous haemorrhages of different aetiology. The most frequent cause was the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy (53.7%) and vascular changes in atherosclerosis (39%). Haemorrhage of the vitreous persisted on average for five months. Eight months after the intervention complete or partial reabsorption led to improvement of the eyesight in 74% of the patients, no change was recorded in 16.6% and further deterioration occurred in 9.4%. No serious per- or postoperative complications were recorded, the method is unpretentious, can be used in ambulatory patients, it is repeatable and suitable also as preparation before vitreous surgery.