Pars plana vitrectomy in uveitis of diverse etiologies: indications and surgical outcomes

Abstract

Background To evaluate the indications, surgical outcomes, and diagnostic role of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in uveitis of diverse etiologies.Methods This retrospective study included 32 eyes (30 patients) undergoing 23-gauge PPV during 2019-2025. Uveitis etiology, surgical indications, and pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analyzed. The primary outcome was change in BCVA, while secondary outcomes included anatomical success in retinal detachment (RD) cases, clinically meaningful visual improvement, diagnostic yield, and postoperative complications.Results The most common etiologies were idiopathic uveitis (16.7%) and suspected primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (16.7%). Main surgical indications included tractional RD (28.1%), rhegmatogenous RD (21.9%), and diagnostic vitrectomy (18.8%). Final anatomical success was achieved in 93.8% of RD cases. BCVA improvement remained statistically significant at 1, 6, and 12 months after correction for multiple comparisons, while a gain of >= 2 Snellen lines was achieved in 46.2% of eyes at the final follow-up visit. No severe postoperative inflammation occurred.Conclusions PPV is a safe and effective approach for managing vitreoretinal complications and diagnostic evaluation in uveitis, with favorable anatomical and functional outcomes.