Comparative evaluation of early vs. deferred vitrectomy in Eales' disease.

METHODS 40 cases of vitreous haemorrhage secondary to Eales' disease were taken up for vitrectomy. Depending upon duration of vitreous haemorrhage patients were divided into two groups: Group I (20 eyes) - early vitrectomy group with duration between 3-6 months; Group II (20 eyes) - deferred vitrectomy group with duration of more than 6 months. All patients were followed up for a minimum period of 3 months following vitrectomy. RESULTS Eyes in Group I showing a preoperative ultrasonic picture of complete posterior vitreous detachment, less mobility of organised vitreous haemorrhage and mid vitreous organisation on kinetic echography achieved a final visual acuity of 6/9 or better in 13 (65%) eyes as compared to 4 (20%) eyes in Group II (p<0.01). Poor visual outcome in the deferred group was secondary to cystoid macular oedema, macular scar, macular pucker formation and macular degeneration. CONCLUSION Improved visual outcome in the early vitrectomy group was probably because the haemorrhagic blood and its toxic products had less time to damage the macula, a lesser incidence of macular traction and cystoid macular oedema.