Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage After Diabetic Vitrectomy

Recurrent VH after successful DV may lead to prolonged and severe visual loss and sometimes requires surgical intervention (Schachat et al., Ophthalmology 90:522–530, 1983). Previous studies have shown that after successful surgery, approximately one-third of these patients develop recurrent VH; among these patients, one-third ultimately require gas-fluid exchange or vitreous lavage to restore vision (Brown et al., Arch Ophthalmol 110(4):506–510, 1992; Yang, J Formos Med Assoc 97(7):477–484, 1998; Blankenship, Ophthalmology 93(1):39–44, 1986; Blumenkranz et al., Arch Ophthalmol 104(2):291–296, 1986; Han et al., Retina 11(3):309–314, 1991). With the use of modern microincision techniques, this complication is reduced but still affects a fair number of patients. This complication may slow visual recovery and jeopardize an otherwise successful operation with additional procedures. In this chapter, risk factors, bleeding sources, proper preventive management, and treatment of recurrent VH after surgery are discussed. It should be recognized that the optimal management method has not been well established.