Visual field results after vitreous surgery in a case series of patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Background And Objective: Visual field loss is a complication of vitrectomy and a concern for patients with glaucoma. Our objective was to determine whether vitrectomy is associated with new field defects in patients with glaucoma.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective case series involved 7 eyes of 7 patients, who had open-angle glaucoma and underwent vitrectomy for macular hole (2) or epiretinal membrane (5).

Results: Acuity improved by at least two lines in 5 eyes. Visual fields showed a change in mean deviation following vitrectomy (mean difference -1.50 dB, P=0.0006, paired Student's t-test). One eye had confirmed progression of a pre-existing visual field defect, but no new defects were apparent in the other eyes. Transient intraocular pressure rises requiring therapy occurred in 3 eyes. One eye developed macular edema, but no other operative complications occurred.

Conclusions: The results of our small case series suggest that vitrectomy may be an acceptable intervention in eyes with glaucoma and co-existing macular problems.