Vitrectomy for ocular trauma: a question of timing?

PURPOSE: A long-standing controversy exists regarding the proper timing for vitrectomy in a traumatized eye. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of timing on the final visual acuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 45 consecutive patients who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy procedure for repair of ocular trauma. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of the surgery post-trauma: those operated before or after 14 days. Type of trauma and pre- and postoperative visual acuities were compared. RESULTS: A contusion type of trauma was more frequent in the late surgery group. Sharp, penetrating injuries were more common in the early vitrectomy group. No significant difference was found though visual acuity was worse in the patients with a contusion component to their injury. Timing of surgery seems to have very little effect on the final outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Final visual acuity is determined by the type and extent of trauma rather than the timing of surgery.