Morphological changes in the optic disc after vitrectomy and fluid-air exchange.

Background

Although many investigators have previously reported various ocular complications induced by vitrectomy, little is known about post-operative morphological changes in the optic disc. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy and fluid-air (F-A) exchange on the post-operative morphology of the optic disc.

Methods

We examined 31 eyes that had undergone vitrectomy for macular holes (22 eyes) or epiretinal membranes (9 eyes). Only the patients with macular holes were treated by fluid-air exchange. Morphological changes in the optic disc were evaluated using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph.

Results

C/D area ratios significantly decreased for 6 months post-operatively. The rim volumes significantly increased for 1 month following surgery. Cup volumes significantly decreased at 3 months after surgery. No significant change of mean cup depth was observed post-operatively. The eyes that had not been subjected to F-A exchange showed no significant morphological change following surgery. In contrast, the eyes that had undergone F-A exchange showed significant decrease in C/D area ratio and cup volume and an increase in rim volume and mean cup depth for considerable periods following surgery. Any of the patients showed no post-operative visual field loss.

Conclusion

Whereas no visual field loss is observed, vitrectomy with F-A exchange induces morphological changes in the optic disc for significant periods following surgery.