Introduction: Vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome is characterized by an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment and the occurrence of subsequent anterior-posterior traction in the macular region, leading to morphological and functional changes.
Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the results in the treatment of phakic eyes with vitreomacular traction syndrome by two methods: application of pneumatic vitreolysis and a combined approach—cataract extraction (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) together with pneumatic vitreolysis simultaneously.
Materials and Methods: A total of 12 patients (13 eyes) with vitreomacular traction syndrome, aged 59 to 87 years (mean 70.5 ± 8.4 years), divided into two groups were included:
Group 1 (10 eyes): Patients without accompanying cataract or with cataract at an early stage of development, who underwent a single 27G-pars plana intravitreal application of 0.2cc 100% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
Group 2 (3 eyes): Patients with accompanying cataract who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and 27G-pars plana intravitreal application of 0.2cc 100% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
Results: We observed a mean success rate of pneumatic vitreolysis of 69.2% in all treated patients (70% for Group 1, 66.7% for Group 2).
Conclusion: Pneumatic vitreolysis with expanding gas has very good results in the treatment of foveallocalized vitreomacular traction syndrome. Given the age of patients suffering from this disease and the likelihood of concomitant cataracts, the possibility of combining pneumatic vitreolysis with cataract surgery should be considered in the treatment plan. One-step application saves time and results in faster visual recovery and greater patient satisfaction.
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