Corneal epithelial defect after pars plana vitrectomy

This study aims to study the incidence of corneal epithelial defect (CED) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and associated patient-related risk factors. The incidence of other immediate postoperative complications was also in the scope of this study.

Retrospective descriptive case series study.

Review of electronic medical records of all patients who underwent PPV alone or combined with cataract surgery and/or scleral buckle in a tertiary hospital by one retinal surgeon. All demographic data, surgery notes, and immediate postoperative findings were obtained for all patients.

The cohort of the included cases was composed of a total of 168 procedures that were performed in 121 eyes of 106 patients over 5 years. CEDs occurred in 19 eyes (15.7%) of 19 patients (17.9%). Males were affected more than females (90% vs. 10%). Patients with postoperative CED were found to have longer duration of surgery when compared to patients without postoperative CED (P = 0.0038). All cases of CED had a complete resolution of the defects after supportive therapy. Immediate intraocular hypertension (IOH) was found in 30 eyes (24.8%). IOH was controlled in all cases with medical therapy only. Post-PPV immediate complications, other than CED and IOH, occurred in 10.7% of the eyes. These included vitreous hemorrhage, choroidal detachment, corneal edema, anterior chamber fibrin, and hyphema.

Development of CED is not uncommon after PPV. This complication is more common in males and may be related to prolonged duration of surgery. It also develops more in older patients. CED after PPV can be managed with conservative treatment with good outcome.