VISUAL OUTCOME IN DIABETIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE

Abstract

Background: Vitreous hemorrhage is a significant cause of visual impairment among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) remains the primary treatment for restoring visual function; however, outcomes are influenced by multiple systemic and postoperative factors. Objective: To assess the visual outcomes of diabetic patients following PPV for vitreous hemorrhage and to determine the association of postoperative improvement with clinical variables. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 01-January-2025 to 01-July-2025. Methods: A total of 73 diabetic patients indicated for PPV due to vitreous hemorrhage were included. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded using the Snellen chart and converted to LogMAR. Standard PPV was performed in all participants. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 3 months to assess final BCVA and monitor complications such as recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, cataract progression, raised intraocular pressure, and retinal detachment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 56.11 ± 7.79 years, and males accounted for 65.8% of the study population. A considerable improvement was noted in BCVA from 1.60 ± 0.28 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.94 ± 0.31 LogMAR postoperatively (p = 0.0001). A postoperative BCVA better than 1.0 LogMAR was achieved in 64.4% of patients. Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% and elevated intraocular pressure in 9.6% of patients. Increased age (>55 years), hypertension, and postoperative complications were significantly linked with poorer visual outcomes. Conclusion: PPV substantially improves visual acuity in diabetic patients with vitreous hemorrhage. Factors such as advanced age, comorbid hypertension, and postoperative complications negatively influence final vision. Early intervention and proper systemic management may further enhance visual recovery.