[Analysis of factors causing peripheral visual field defects after vitreomacular surgery]

As a result of the study analysis of potential causes of visual field defects (VFD) after vitreomacular surgery is performed. 110 cases are enrolled in the study: 81 patient with macular hole and 29 patients with epiretinal fibrosis. Correspondence of VFD to position of irrigation port including unusual inferior-nasal position was revealed as well as VFD absence in epiretinal fibrosis operated without air pump. VFD did not appear after lowering of air pump pressure by 15-20 mmHg. The cause of VFD after vitreomacular surgery is a mechanical damage of internal retinal surface by directed air/gas jet after total fluid exchange with too high pressure in an air pump. This complication is an easily preventable iatrogenic effect and may serve as one of quality criterion for this treatment procedure.