Intraocular pressure changes after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and factors influencing IOP. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight eyes of 58 patients (34 male, 24 female, mean age: 58,7 ±13,5 years) who underwent PPV for RRD were retrospectively studied. IOP values of the operated eyes and fellow eyes were compared at the postoperative 1st week, 1st, 3rd and 6th months. The need for glaucoma medications was further recorded at each time point. Results: LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly after PPV (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative IOP between the operated eyes and fellow eyes (p=0.54). However, the number of glaucoma medications was significantly higher in the operated eyes at the final visit (p<0.001) and the maximum number of glaucoma medications needed during the follow-up was also significantly higher in the operated eyes (p<0.001). The number of eyes needing glaucoma medications was significantly higher in the operated eyes (36%) compared to fellow eyes (3.4%) (p<0.001). There was not any difference in the mean age of the patients who needed glaucoma medications treatment and who did not (p=0.74). Conclusion: We observed that the need for glaucoma medications increased significantly after PPV for RRD. Contrary to the previous reports, this increase in the risk of ocular hypertension was not influenced by patient age. © 2020 Gazi Eye Foundation. All rights reserved.