To investigate the visual recovery and complications of vitrectomy in Terson's syndrome.

A retrospective study was carried out on 11 eyes in 9 patients who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy for Terson's syndrome from October 2004 to June 2006. The factors assessed were age, gender, presence of hypertension, type of intracranial hemorrhage, preoperative and final visual acuity, time interval from intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) to vitrectomy, and any intraoperative and postoperative complications.

The average age of the subjects and the Interval from ICH to vitrectomy were 43.0±11.0 years and 3.25±3.48 months respectively. Binocular involvement was found in two of the nine patients, and fundus findings were severe vitreous opacity in all cases, while sub-ILM hemorrhage at the posterior pole was seen in five eyes. Intraoperative retinal break was recorded at the 10 o'clock sclerotomy site in five eyes, and four of these five eyes were associated with sub-ILM hemorrhage. One patient underwent a scleral buckling operation four months postoperatively due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with a retinal tear at the 2 o'clock sclerotomy site. Visual acuity improved in all cases postoperatively, and the final visual acuity was over 0.6 in seven eyes.

We can expect from early surgery a relatively good prognosis of visual acuity and prevention of complications. Due to the possibility of retinal breaks at the sclerotomy sites, we should keep in mind that cautious handling of intraocular instrument and complete removal of vitreous base may be necessary.