Indications for vitrectomy via the pars plana.

Vitrectomy via the pars plana is a surgical technique with a wide range of applications, which should be understood by all ophthalmologists, for they allow the successful treatment of conditions for which there was previously no good therapy. On the other hand, the breadth of indications for this new surgical approach and the hopelessness of the prognosis with other treatments is a temptation for its misuse. Clear guidelines must be established as to when vitrectomy is indicated. Some such guidelines are proposed.