Study underscores key to reducing traction on the retina during vitrectomy

The authors report in this study the construction of a model using porcine eyes to measure the traction force applied to the retina by vitreous cutters during vitrectomy. To the best of their knowledge, no one has previously described a method for measuring the traction applied to the retina by a vitreous cutter during vitrectomy.

Their analysis found that the vitreoretinal traction increased by 7.90 dynes for each 100 mmHg increase in vacuum (P < 0.05). The traction forces decreased by 2.51 dynes for each 500 cuts per minute increase (P < 0.05). The traction force was 2.17 dynes greater at 3 mm compared with 5 mm (P < 0.05).

The authors conclude that the traction on the retina was directly proportional to the aspiration vacuum and inversely proportional to the cut rate. The cutter traction force increased with proximity to the retina. This article serves to remind us that we should keep our cut rate as high as it goes and our vacuum as low as is effective.