Comparison between Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Granulomatous and Nongranulomatous Uveitis

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of vitrectomy in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis insufficiently managed by immunosuppressive therapy.

Thirty-eight eyes with granulomatous uveitis and 17 eyes with nongranulomatous uveitis that underwent vitrectomy for ocular complications between July 2006 and August 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity and ocular inflammation scores before and 6 months after surgery were compared. Patients treated with vitrectomy alone and those in whom vitrectomy was combined with phacoemulsification were analyzed separately.

The mean visual acuity improved significantly both in granulomatous and nongranulomatous uveitis. In granulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation scores decreased significantly both in the anterior segment and in the posterior segment. In nongranulomatous uveitis, the mean inflammation score in the posterior segment decreased significantly, although it did not change in the anterior segment.

Vitrectomy was effective for treating ocular complications both in granulomatous uveitis and nongranulomatous uveitis, with favorable outcomes of improved visual acuity and decreased uveitis activity.