Abstract
Purpose: :
The development of posterior synechia of the iris interferes with postoperative visualization of the retina and patients’ visual function. We examined factors influencing the development of posterior synechia after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for vitreoretinal disorders.
Methods: :
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 421 eyes of 356 patients who received PPV by the same surgeon for vitreoretinal disorders. The frequency of posterior synechia was assessed, and multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between various explanatory factors and the development of posterior synechia. Explanatory factors included age, sex, operating time, combined cataract surgery, gauge of vitrectomy system, performance of scleral compression, number of laser photocoagulation, usage of gas tamponade, steroid, and atropine ointment, postoperative factors (existence of vitreous hemorrhage, anterior chamber fibrin, and hyphema).
Results: :
Posterior synechia was found in 10.7% (45 of 421 eyes), and patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy showed the highest incidence (16.8%). The explanatory factors associated with posterior synechia were operating time and number of laser photocoagulation.
Conclusions: :
The incidence of posterior synechia after PPV may be reduced by minimizing the degree of operative invasion to the eye.
Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery