Application of air tamponade in vitrectomy for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy with retinal tear

Objective To investigate the application of air tamponade in vitrectomy for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR) with retinal tear. Methods The data of 50 eyes of 50 cases with localized retinal detachment caused by retinal tear in the posterior pole or the upper of retina were gathered. All cases underwent pars plana vitrectomy. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. The observation group, 32 cases, received air tamponade after vitrectomy and the control group, 18 cases, received silicon oil tamponade. The complications, postoperative visual acuity and retinal reattachment condition were observed. The follow-up time was 6-10 months. Results Six months after surgery, the visual acuity improved in 28 eyes, no changed in 3 eyes, and decreased in 1 eye in observation group. The postoperative visual acuity improved in 14 eyes, no changed in 2 eyes, and decreased in 2 eyes in control group. No recurrence of retinal detachment occurred. Conclusion Air tamponade combined with vitrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of PDR with retinal tear in the posterior pole or the upper of the retina. Air tamponade with less complication could improve the quality of life and avoid the second surgery. Key words: Retinopathy, diabetic, proliferative; Vitrectomy; Tanponade, silicon oil; Air; Retinal tear