To evaluate the postoperative corneal topographic changes after 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy.

Twenty eyes of 20 consecutive patients who required vitrectomy were included in the present study. The 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy was performed by a single surgeon from September 2007 through November 2007. Videokeratography system (TMS-4, Tomey Co., Japan) was obtained preoperatively and at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 1 month postoperatively. The date changes of Fourier indices including spherical power, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and higher-order irregularity were analyzed at the central 3- and 6-mm zone of the cornea.

Twenty eyes, including eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 9), vitreous hemorrhage and opacity (n = 7), and epiretinal membrane (n = 4), underwent the operation. None of the Fourier indices significantly changed throughout the observation period ( p < 0.05, Wilcoxon-signed-ranks test).

A 23-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy does not induce significant changes in corneal topography even in the central 6-mm zone, as well as the 3-mm zone of the cornea.