Stability of pars plana vitrectomy results for diabetic retinopathy complications. A comparison of five-year and six-month postvitrectomy findings.

The visual and anatomical findings in 164 eyes six months after vitrectomy were compared with the findings in these same eyes five years after vitrectomy. Those with good results tended to remain stable. Of the 77 eyes that had 6/60 or better visual acuity at the six-month examination, 64 (83%) continued to have as good or better vision at the five-year examination. Following the six-month examination, 85% of the irides without rubeosis remained without rubeosis, 84% of the vitreous cavities that were clear remained clear, and 94% of the maculae that were attached remained attached.