[Time factors in the performance of closed vitrectomy in traumatic hemophthalmos]

The authors analyze the results of 447 vitrectomies in patients with traumatic hemophthalmia and its aftereffects, carried out in various periods after trauma. The best vision and the least number of complications (retinal detachment, hemophthalmia recurrence) were attained when vitrectomy was carried out in 1 to 3 months after the injury. An earlier vitrectomy involved a high risk of complications, and the vision results were poor; vitrectomy carried out later than 4 months after the injury was as ineffective because of irreversible posttraumatic changes in the retina. These results bring the authors to a conclusion that closed vitrectomy with optic purposes should be carried out in periods from 1 to 3 months after the injury.