Histopathologic findings in human eyes after pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy

Six eyes, four obtained at autopsy and two enucleated for neovascular glaucoma, were studied histopathologically between one week and 3 1/2 years after pars plana vitrectomy (some combined with lensectomy) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Fibrovascular proliferation at the sclerotomy site was minimal. Lensectomy through the pars plana proved to be quite complete. A cyclitic membrane was found in eyes with postoperative rubeosis irides. Excision of the vitreous from the posterior part of the vitreous cavity was quite complete except for remnants of stalks and membranes on the retinal surface.