OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that is unresponsive to corticosteroids.

METHODS

Eleven eyes of nine patients underwent a standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy. The primary indication was intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that was unresponsive to oral, sub-Tenon's, and topical corticosteroids. Preoperative follow-up ranged from 20 months to 144 months (average, 70 months). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 months to 108 months (average, 21 months).

RESULTS

Seven eyes (64%) improved 4 or more lines of Snellen visual acuity within 4 weeks. Two eyes (18%) remained unchanged and 2 eyes (18%) worsened. Cystoid macular edema improved by clinical examination and fluorescein angiography in 9 eyes (82%) and by clinical examination alone in 2 eyes (18%). No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications consisted of cataract formation in 1 eye (9%), glaucoma in 2 eyes (18%), and epiretinal membrane formation in 1 eye (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pars plana vitrectomy may have a role in the treatment of intraocular inflammation-related cystoid macular edema that fails to respond to corticosteroids. The subgroup of patients who benefit most remains to be identified.