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  • IRIS Registry study evaluates return to OR after vitrectomy for vitreous opacities

    Retina/Vitreous

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    Review of: Return to the Operating Room after Vitrectomy for Vitreous Opacities: Intelligent Research in Sight Registry Analysis

    Rubino S, Parke III D, Lum F. Ophthalmology Retina, January 2021

    This IRIS Registry study investigated the rate of return to the operating room after vitrectomy for vitreous opacities.

    Study design

    Researchers analyzed data for 17,615 eyes that underwent surgery exclusively linked to vitreous opacities code. The aim was to determine the number and percentage of eyes that underwent additional eye surgery within 1 year after vitrectomy.

    Outcomes

    Analysis revealed that 12% of eyes returned to the operating room for cataract surgery while nearly 4% returned for a noncataract procedure. Approximately 3% of eyes returned for retinal detachment repair.

    Limitations

    The study is limited by its retrospective study design. Since the study used the IRIS Registry, there was variability in the data. There was no mention of the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis.

    Clinical significance

    Floaters can be visually disabling. In the era of 20-gauge vitrectomy, it was considered taboo to operate for floaters. Since the advent of small-gauge, sutureless surgery, vitrectomy has become relatively safe. The results of this review reinforce the fact that small-gauge vitrectomy can be safe and effective for long-standing disabling floaters. However, the small risk of retinal detachment, cataract progression and endophthalmitis should be discussed with the patient.