Management of Vitreous Opacity General Principles.

Oum, Boo Sup

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 1987;28(4):905-908.
Published online April 1, 1987.

Management of Vitreous Opacity General Principles.

Boo Sup Oum

Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.

심포지움 : 초자체혼탁의 치료원칙

엄부섭(Boo Sup Oum)

Abstract

The management of vitreous opacities varies from case to case. Successful treatment depends on identifying the specific cause of the opacity. In general, opacities which do not reduce vision are left alone; however, the condition producing the opacities is treated. Most congenital opacities seldom requires treatment, since they are usually asymptomatic and innocuous. In case of vitreous opacity caused by uveitis, specific therapy or steroid therapy is needed. The management of hemorrhagic vitreous opacity depends on whether the hemorrhage is recent or long-standing. A patient with a recent vitreous hemorrhage of unknown etiology should be placed on strict bed rest at least 72 hours. Retinal break or vascular lesions causing vitreous hemorrhages should be treated with photocoagulation, cryoapplication or scleral buckling procedure. When vitreous hemorrhage does not clear in 6 months, a closed vitrectomy may be indicated. Dense, organized intravitreous opacities of hemorrhagic or inflammatory origin are permanent and these opacities can be removed through a closed vitrectomy.