Surgical dilation of the pupil during pars plana vitrectomy

Adequate pupillary dilation is essential to dissect and excise peripheral tractional proliferative tissue during vitreous surgery. Most surgical dilating procedures involve an incision or excision of iris tissue, that is either inadequate or irreversible. We describe a modification of a previously devised technique for stretching the pupil that ensures an excellent view of the peripheral retina. The technique has been used in aphakic and pseudophakic eyes in over 50 cases with no postoperative morbidity or problems with glare or poor cosmesis.