R H Gross1, E L Shaw. 1. Shaw Eye Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85006, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the technique, outcomes, and complication rates for a method of pars plana vitreous aspiration to control excessive vitreous pressure during penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: All cases of penetrating keratoplasty were reviewed retrospectively in a large cornea subspecialty private practice over a 5-year period, and 70 cases of penetrating keratoplasty complicated by excessive posterior pressure were identified. Study eyes were treated with a pars plana vitreous aspiration technique to relieve excessive posterior vitreous pressure. The main study parameters included preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative BCVA at the last recorded follow-up visit, refractive cylinder at 1 year, complications related to surgery, and other conditions that may have influenced visual function. The mean follow-up period was 24.5 months with a range of 1 to 61.1 months. RESULTS: Adverse outcomes during the extended period of follow-up included rejection in 11 of 70 eyes, graft failure in 7 of 70 eyes, glaucoma in 4 of 70 eyes, and postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) in 5 of 70 eyes. Posterior capsulotomies using the neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser were necessary in 10 of 70 patients during the follow-up period. The average magnitude of refractive astigmatism at 1 year after surgery was 3.73 diopters (D) with a range of 0 to 8 D. There were no known retinal complications other than CME and no complications that could be directly attributed to the pars plana vitreous aspiration technique. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana anterior vitreous aspiration is a safe and effective technique for controlling increased vitreous pressure, which can complicate penetrating keratoplasty.
PURPOSE: To describe the technique, outcomes, and complication rates for a method of pars plana vitreous aspiration to control excessive vitreous pressure during penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: All cases of penetrating keratoplasty were reviewed retrospectively in a large cornea subspecialty private practice over a 5-year period, and 70 cases of penetrating keratoplasty complicated by excessive posterior pressure were identified. Study eyes were treated with a pars plana vitreous aspiration technique to relieve excessive posterior vitreous pressure. The main study parameters included preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative BCVA at the last recorded follow-up visit, refractive cylinder at 1 year, complications related to surgery, and other conditions that may have influenced visual function. The mean follow-up period was 24.5 months with a range of 1 to 61.1 months. RESULTS: Adverse outcomes during the extended period of follow-up included rejection in 11 of 70 eyes, graft failure in 7 of 70 eyes, glaucoma in 4 of 70 eyes, and postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) in 5 of 70 eyes. Posterior capsulotomies using the neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser were necessary in 10 of 70 patients during the follow-up period. The average magnitude of refractive astigmatism at 1 year after surgery was 3.73 diopters (D) with a range of 0 to 8 D. There were no known retinal complications other than CME and no complications that could be directly attributed to the pars plana vitreous aspiration technique. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana anterior vitreous aspiration is a safe and effective technique for controlling increased vitreous pressure, which can complicate penetrating keratoplasty.