Leyla S Atmaca1, Figen Batioglu, Pelin Atmaca Sonmez. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari 23/1, 06440 Ankara, Turkey. leylaatmaca@ttnet.net.tr
Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide long-term follow-up information on Eales' patients. METHODS: Eales' patients, who had been examined at varying periods between the years 1970 and 1991 with a minimum five-year follow-up, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were followed up for a minimum of five and a maximum of 26.5 years. The retinal lesions found during the first examination included vascular sheathing, disc and/or retinal neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, branch retinal vein occlusion, retinitis proliferans, and retinal detachment. Visual acuity improved in 37 (20%) of the 185 treated eyes, was maintained in 79 (43%), and worsened in 69 (37%). The complications were tractional detachment, cataract, rubeosis iridis, neovascular glaucoma, and phthisis bulbi. CONCLUSION: The most important elements in dealing with Eales' disease are periodic follow-up, a good and adequate laser treatment, pars plana vitrectomy combined with procedures for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal vasoproliferative changes to stabilize the retinal lesions and maintain functional levels of vision.
PURPOSE: To provide long-term follow-up information on Eales' patients. METHODS: Eales' patients, who had been examined at varying periods between the years 1970 and 1991 with a minimum five-year follow-up, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were followed up for a minimum of five and a maximum of 26.5 years. The retinal lesions found during the first examination included vascular sheathing, disc and/or retinal neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, branch retinal vein occlusion, retinitis proliferans, and retinal detachment. Visual acuity improved in 37 (20%) of the 185 treated eyes, was maintained in 79 (43%), and worsened in 69 (37%). The complications were tractional detachment, cataract, rubeosis iridis, neovascular glaucoma, and phthisis bulbi. CONCLUSION: The most important elements in dealing with Eales' disease are periodic follow-up, a good and adequate laser treatment, pars plana vitrectomy combined with procedures for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal vasoproliferative changes to stabilize the retinal lesions and maintain functional levels of vision.