[Sub-internal limiting membrane haemorrhage treated by pars plana vitrectomy]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Retina
• Medical Retina

Background:

• Sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage is a condition affecting younger, working-age individuals.
• Rapid visual recovery is crucial for maintaining patients' quality of life and socioeconomic status.

Observation:

• A cohort of 6 patients (6 eyes) with acute sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling.
• The ethiopathogenesis of the hemorrhages varied, including sarcoidosis, substance abuse, liver disease, von Willebrand disease, and idiopathic causes.
• Pre-operative visual acuity ranged from hand motion to 20/63.

Findings:

• All patients experienced significant visual improvement within 2-3 days post-surgery.
• Post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved to 20/20 in 3 eyes, 20/32 in 2 eyes, and 20/25 in 1 eye.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications such as retinal tear, detachment, endophthalmitis, or recurrent bleeding were observed.

Implications:

• Pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling is a safe and effective surgical intervention for sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhages.
• The procedure facilitates rapid visual rehabilitation, enabling patients to resume work and social activities promptly.
• This surgical technique offers a favorable outcome for a diverse group of patients experiencing this vision-impairing condition.