Reevaluation of corneal complications after closed vitrectomy

Corneal complications after closed vitrectomy were analyzed in patients treated by the same surgeon from January 1980 through December 1986. Of 428 eyes (400 patients), 64 (15%) had corneal complications, 58 (13.6%) had epithelial defects, and 12 (2.8%) had corneal edema. Among 206 diabetic eyes, 41 (19.9%) had corneal complications. Of 222 nondiabetic eyes, only 23 (10.4%) showed complications. Multiple regression analysis of possible contributing factors was performed. Diabetes, intraoperative lensectomy, and history of vitreous surgery were related significantly to the occurrence of all corneal complications combined. Our series showed a significantly decreased complication rate when compared with a previous study. Improved preoperative surgical preparation and intraoperative technique to minimize corneal trauma may have accounted for the decrease.