G-3682

A Five-Year Evaluation of Indications for Deep Vitrectomy Procedures at a Tertiary Eye Center in Isfahan, Iran.

 Parsa Elyasi Bakhtiari ¹ ℗, Reza Beiranvand ² ©, Mahsa Mazdak ¹, Ali Azadian ¹, Kimia Ramtin ², َAli Salehi ³, Mohammad Malek Ahmadi ³   

 
Abstract

Introduction: Vitrectomy is a surgical technique that involves the drainage of the vitreous humor to treat a range of retinal and vitreous disorders. Since its introduction in 1971, it has become an essential procedure in ophthalmology, particularly for managing vision-threatening conditions such as vitreous opacities, retinal detachment, and complications of diabetic retinopathy. With the global rise in diabetes prevalence, the incidence of diabetic eye disease and consequently the demand for vitrectomy has shown a steady increase. In regions such as Isfahan, Iran, where vitrectomy is frequently performed, there is a growing need to assess the changing patterns of its clinical indications. Understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into regional ophthalmic health challenges and help inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the clinical indications and underlying etiologies for vitrectomy procedures performed at Feiz Ophthalmology Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, between 2016 and 2020. Medical records of 599 patients who underwent vitrectomy during the study period were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, surgical details, and pre-operative visual acuity. The analysis focused on identifying the most prevalent indications necessitating vitrectomy. Results: A total of 599 patients who underwent vitrectomy were included in the analysis, comprising 361 males (60.3%) and 238 females (39.7%), with a mean age of 56.14 ± 18.68 years. Among the patients, 32% had diabetes mellitus and 38.8% were hypertensive. The leading indications for vitrectomy were retinal detachment (30.7%), diabetic retinopathy (19.4%), and ocular trauma (17.4%). Diabetic retinopathy was more frequently observed in female patients, whereas trauma-related cases were predominantly seen in males. Furthermore, patients with trauma as the underlying etiology exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of requiring re-vitrectomy. No statistically significant differences were noted in pre-operative visual acuity or the type of silicone oil used across the various etiological groups. Conclusion and Discussion: This study offers valuable insights into the shifting landscape of vitrectomy indications at Feiz Ophthalmology Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, over a five-year period. The findings underscore the significant clinical burden posed by diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and ocular trauma conditions that continue to drive the need for surgical intervention. Recognizing these evolving patterns can aid in more effective allocation of medical resources, enhance surgical plannig, and support the development of targeted strategies to improve patient outcomes in this critical area of ophthalmic care.

Keywords:  Deep vitrectomy, Vitrectomy, Ophthalmology, Eye surgery