Background: Although many investigators have previously reported various ocular complications induced by vitrectomy, little is known about post-operative morphological changes in the optic disc. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy and fluid-air (F-A) exchange on the post-operative morphology of the optic disc.
Methods: We examined 31 eyes that had undergone vitrectomy for macular holes (22 eyes) or epiretinal membranes (9 eyes). Only the patients with macular holes were treated by fluid-air exchange. Morphological changes in the optic disc were evaluated using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph.
Results: C/D area ratios significantly decreased for 6 months post-operatively. The rim volumes significantly increased for 1 month following surgery. Cup volumes significantly decreased at 3 months after surgery. No significant change of mean cup depth was observed post-operatively. The eyes that had not been subjected to F-A exchange showed no significant morphological change following surgery. In contrast, the eyes that had undergone F-A exchange showed significant decrease in C/D area ratio and cup volume and an increase in rim volume and mean cup depth for considerable periods following surgery. Any of the patients showed no post-operative visual field loss.
Conclusion: Whereas no visual field loss is observed, vitrectomy with F-A exchange induces morphological changes in the optic disc for significant periods following surgery.