Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) Treatment

Retina detachment repair fails about 5% of the time because scar tissue forms on the surface of the retina. This scar tissue pulls the retina into folds, causing it to redetach, usually within 4 to 8 weeks after initial surgery. When vitreous scarring causes retinal detachment, it is called proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Repeat surgery with peeling of the membranes is required to reattach the retina. Removing the scar tissue from the surface of the retina is a very delicate process.

After peeling, the eye is filled with gas for silicone oil. Sometimes a large cut in the retina called a retinotomy is made to allow the retina to flatten. If oil is used, it may have to be removed at a later time.

The chance of successful reattachment in PVR cases is about 70%. Reading vision rarely returns. However, useful vision in the range of 20/200 is obtained in about 60% of cases. It takes a long time for complete visual recovery after complicated retina detachment surgery.