Clinical Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Persistent Vitreous Opacities in Infectious and Noninfectious Uveitis

This study evaluated functional and inflammatory outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with persistent vitreous opacities due to infectious and noninfectious uveitis unresponsive to medical therapy.

Twenty-three eyes with noninfectious uveitis and 16 eyes with infectious uveitis were enrolled. Functional and inflammatory parameters were assessed, focusing on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vitreous haze, and inflammation.

At 6 months, both vitreous haze and anterior chamber inflammation decreased from severe to minimal levels. BCVA improved in 28 eyes (71.8%), remained stable in five eyes (12.8%), and worsened in six eyes (15.4%). Linear regression analysis showed that preoperative BCVA significantly predicted visual improvement (coefficient = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.98, P = 0.003), while etiology (P = 0.217) and lens status (P = 0.201) were not significant factors (R2 = 0.34). Elevated intraocular pressure occurred in five patients, with two requiring trabeculectomy after 3 months. In two cases, epiretinal membrane formation progressed to tractional retinal detachment within 6 months.

PPV is an effective treatment for persistent vitreous opacities, resulting in visual improvement and stabilization of inflammation. Postoperative follow-up is necessary due to potential complications and recurrence.