Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
An Ex Vivo Tissue Culture Model for Fibrovascular Complications in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Published on: January 25, 2019
Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Pediatric Retinal Detachment with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Robert Rejdak1,2, Dominika Nowakowska1, Katarzyna Wrona1
1Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Insights
Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) achieved retinal reattachment in pediatric retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). However, visual outcomes require improvement for optimal child development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retina Surgery
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
Background:
- Pediatric retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) presents complex surgical challenges.
- Early intervention is crucial for visual development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for pediatric RD with PVR.
- To identify factors influencing anatomical and functional results.
- To report complications associated with the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective consecutive case series of 14 pediatric eyes.
- Average follow-up of 34 months.
- Analysis of etiology, visual acuity, surgical techniques, and complications.
Main Results:
- The most common causes were trauma (57%) and myopia (36%).
- Anatomical reattachment was achieved in 86% of cases.
- Final visual acuity was 0.1 or better in 50% of patients, with 36% experiencing postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is effective for achieving anatomical reattachment in pediatric complex RD with PVR.
- While vision preservation is possible, functional outcomes were not fully satisfactory.
- Further research is needed to optimize visual results in these young patients.
Aim:
To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in pediatric retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), complications, factors influencing the final anatomical and functional results.
Methods:
Retrospective consecutive case series of 14 eyes. Average postoperative follow-up period was 34 months.
Results:
Mean age of patients was 10 years; eleven patients (79%) were males. The most common etiology was trauma (57%), the second-myopia (36%) and one case of uveitis (7%). At the day of presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was worse than hand motion (50%); macula was detached in 86% of cases. Simultaneous PPV and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were performed in 12 cases (86%). The most common endotamponade during PPV was silicone oil (93%). Anatomic reattachment was accomplished in 86% of cases. Final BCVA was equal or better than 0.1 in 50% of patients. The postoperative complications were found in 5 eyes (36%).
Conclusion:
Complete PPV was allowed for anatomically reattached retina and preserved vision in pediatric complex RD with PVR. However, visual outcomes were not satisfactory. Preserving vision in children with RD is of great importance for their future motor and intellectual development. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03208205.
