PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY (PVR)

One complication of retinal detachment is Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a condition which prevents the retina from healing.

What is Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR)?

Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) occurs when a scar forms under or on the retina after retinal detachment, preventing the retina from healing and falling back into place. (Find out more about retinal detachment).

   
Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

What causes Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR)?

One of the commonest causes of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is failed repair of retinal detachment. When there is a hole in the retina, cells that normally reside under the retina enter the eyeball and settle on the inner layer of the eye on top of the retina. These cells multiply and form a scar on the surface (and sometimes under) the retina. This scar tissue then contracts and detaches the retina away from the innermost walls of the eye, resulting in a second retinal detachment.

What are the risk factors for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR)?

Risk factors for Proliferative vitreoretinopathy PVR include large retina tears or retinal detachment that is not treated early. Bleeding within the eye, increased inflammation from trauma and previous retinal detachment operations also increase the risk.

Many of the factors that increase the risk of PVR are the same as those of retinal detachment, such as high degree myopia (short-sightedness), family history and after surgery for cataracts. Retinal detachments can also be caused by other diseases in the eye such as tumours, severe inflammation or complications from diabetes. Early detection and treatment of retinal detachment can prevent PVR from occurring, so regular eye examination play an important preventative role.

What treatment is available for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR)?

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) may be treated with a vitrectomy, a form of keyhole surgery that uses small probes to enter inside the eye to remove the vitreous and or scleral buckling, an operation using a silicone bane outside the eyeball. If vitrectomy is performed, gas or silicone oil may be used to replace the jelly inside the eye. Following surgery, the patient will need to lie in a face-down position for one to two weeks. Eyes with serious PVR may not be treated with surgery if the vision is unlikely to improve after surgery. The success of improving the vision varies from person to person and ranges from 60 to 80 per cent

Please visit the following relevant links :-

Vitreo-Retina Service
Outcome Results on Vitreo-Retina Procedure
Vitreo-Retina Clinical Staff
I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
Importance of Eye Examination
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Read more on other eye conditions and treatments:-

Retinal Detachment
Myopia (Short-sightedness)
Cataracts