Vitrectomy for injury: the effect on intraocular proliferation following perforation of the posterior segment of the rabbit eye.

Perforating injuries were produced in the posterior segments of rabbit eyes. A control group had no surgery; a second group underwent closed vitrectomy immediately after injury; and a third group had closed vitrectomy delayed two weeks following injury. The eyes were then observed for four weeks. Transvitreal proliferation, which was found in each of the control eyes, was effectively prevented in the eyes that underwent immediate vitrectomy. Established transvitreal proliferation was removed and its recurrence prevented by delayed vitrectomy. These results establish the principle that vitreous acts as a scaffold for proliferation. Removal of the vitreous eliminates the structures along which proliferation can occur and thus effectively prevents transvitreal proliferation. Early removal of vitreous in severely injured eyes with vitreous damage is recommended.