Vitrectomy for nondiabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Retinal and choroidal vascular disorders.

The results and complications of pars plana vitrectomy for nondiabetic vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal and choroidal vascular disorders were studied in 68 eyes of 66 patients. Diagnoses included: retinal branch vein obstruction (34 eyes), choroidal neovascularization (15 eyes), central retinal vein occlusion (5 eyes), Eales' disease (10 eyes), pars planitis (3 eyes), and hemoglobin S-C retinopathy (1 eye). The duration of the vitreous hemorrhage was 6 months or more in 48 eyes (71%), and averaged 17.8 months. Preoperative visual acuity was less than 5/200 in 57 eyes (84%). Best postoperative visual acuity was 5/200 or better in 55 patients (81%), and vision improved two or more lines after vitrectomy in 54 eyes (80%). Patients with retinal branch vein obstruction, Eales' disease, or pars planitis had the best prognosis. Those with central retinal vein obstruction or choroidal neovascularization had the worst prognosis.