Cryoapplication Versus Anti-VEGF Before Diabetic Vitrectomy

Pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the cornerstone of surgical treatment for eyes with complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Anti-VEGF intravitreal injection before PPV has shown a good effect on surgical outcomes. However, many patients present with co-morbidities that contraindicate the usage of anti-VEGF in the pre-operative period. Thus, cryoapplication, an old therapeutic tool for proliferative diabetic retinopathy may be a good alternative. The investigators present herein a comparative study between peripheral retinal cryoapplication and anti-VEGF before vitrectomy for complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the cornerstone of surgical treatment of complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy allowing the removal of vitreous opacity and releasing tractions from the retina. Surgical outcomes, however, are variable depending on a large array of pre, per, and post-operative conditions. The preoperative anti-VEGF intravitreal injection has shown a good effect on surgical outcomes in patients with vitreous hemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment. However, a great number of patients present with co-morbidities that contraindicate the usage of anti-VEGF in the pre-operative period. Thus, an alternative to this adjunctive therapy is worth investigating. In another hand, cryoapplication, an old therapeutic tool for proliferative diabetic retinopathy had been used in patients with non-clear ocular media with vitreous hemorrhage. The investigators present herein a comparative study between peripheral retinal cryoapplication and anti-VEGF before vitrectomy for complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy.