Benefits and limitations in vitreoretinal surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular edema

Surgical therapy for diabetic retinopathy has been refined since the 1960s (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study). While the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study abstained from panretinal photocoagulation at the time of surgery, today, endophotocoagulation is the most important singular reason for vitrectomy, e.g., in vitreous hemorrhage. Despite improved techniques, the surgical prognosis is lagging behind patient expectations, especially in cases of advanced proliferative stages. The following review addresses current surgical options and indications of diabetic retinopathy/maculopathy.