Minimal, Relaxing Membranectomies for the Management of Opacified Hyaloid With Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachments in Monocular Patients: A Novel Surgical Technique

Vitrectomy for severe tractional retinal detachments is a high-risk procedure given the surgical complexity and potential for postoperative complications. The risk is compounded when operating on monocular patients. We developed a novel technique using hyaloidal removal and minimal relaxing membranectomies for tractional retinal detachments with an opacified hyaloid over the fovea in monocular, diabetic patients and evaluated complications and outcomes.The technique was performed in nine monocular, diabetic patients with decreased visual acuity from opaque hyaloid with centripetal tractional retinal detachments. Outcomes included postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, retinal reattachment rate, redetachments, and complications.Average age was 58 years (range 43-74) and the average follow-up time was 43.6 months (range 36-64). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 1.0 to 2.3 logMAR (20/200 - Hand Motion) with a mean of 1.39 logMAR (20/500). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity at last follow-up ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 logMAR (20/30-20/200) with a mean of 0.49 logMAR (20/60) ( P < 0.001). All eyes had attached posterior poles at last follow-up. Complications were observed in two eyes and included nonclearing hemorrhage and capsular opacity.Vitrectomy with minimal, relaxing membranectomies is an option for monocular patients in whom intervention is needed, but are at high risk for complications.