Vitrectomies often needed in patients with diabetic retinopathy after an initial complete PRP

Approximately one-third of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who had an initial complete panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) needed vitrectomies over 10 years, according to a study.

Long-term data on patients with PDR were collected from established vitreoretinal services. All patients had type 1 or 2 diabetes with active PDR in one or both eyes.

Researchers found that over 10 years, 89% of patients needed PRP after initial complete RPR, and approximately 33% and 16% required retinal surgery and intravitreal injection, respectively, with men (74.5%) at a significantly higher risk for needing vitreous surgery.

Approximately 57% of patients with low-risk PDR did not need vitreoretinal surgery.

Of the patients who underwent cataract surgery, 78.5% needed subsequent vitreous surgery (VR). Approximately, 28.2% of patients who had intravitreal anti-VEGF injections need subsequent VR.

Undergoing cataract surgery and poor baseline visual acuity were independent predictors of the need for vitreoretinal surgery. Patients were at a lower risk for VR surgery if they had been previously treated with PRP or had low-risk PDR at baseline.  

Reference
Khan R, Surya J, Rajalakshmi R, et al. Need for vitreous surgeries in proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 10 years follow-up: India Retinal Disease Study (IRDS) group Report no.2. Ophthalmic Res. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1159/000512767.