Dehydration injury as a possible cause of visual field defect after pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole

Am J Ophthalmol. 1997 Nov;124(5):698-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)70915-8.

Abstract

Purpose: To present the hypothesis that a visual field defect after pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole may be caused by dehydration injury to the nerve fiber layer during the fluid-air exchange.

Methods: In a consecutive nonrandomized series of 45 operations on 35 eyes of 34 patients with full-thickness macular hole, the surgical method was changed with postoperative visual field testing performed.

Result: The incidence and location of the post-operative visual field defect was affected only by changing the location of the infusion cannula.

Conclusion: Dehydration injury of the nerve fiber layer during the fluid-air exchange should be considered as a possible cause of visual field defect after pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole.

MeSH terms

  • Desiccation*
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries / pathology
  • Humans
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Injuries*
  • Retinal Perforations / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Vision Disorders / pathology
  • Visual Fields*
  • Vitrectomy / adverse effects*