RECURRENT EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE FORMATION FOLLOWING PARS-PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY

Recurrent epiretinal membranes are a major contributing factor to functional and visual failures after pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative vitreo-retinal disorders. In this study 222 consecutive eyes that have had pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (operated in 1986 und 1987) were evaluated retrospectively. The study focuses on a subgroup of 108 consecutive eyes all with preoperative tractional retinal detachment and all operated with primary silicone oil injection. A minimum follow up of six months was present in 90% of these cases. Permanent visual success was observed in 40% of the eyes, most of which had dense vitreous hemorrhage preoperatively. Multivariant analysis revealed that among several potential risk factors recurrent epiretinal membranes as well as silicone oil were significantly associated with visual failure. Because of the high incidence of recurrent epiretinal membranes associated with poor functional results silicone oil injection following pars plana vitrectomy should be employed restrictively in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.