ObjectiveTo analyse the long-term results of
surgical removal of plaque-like
diabetic foveal hard
exudates.MethodsIn this retrospective, interventional, non-randomized, controlled study,
vitrectomy and excision of submacular hard
exudates was performed on 11
eyes of 11 patients with plaque-like hard
exudates. The
mean preoperative LogMAR best corrected
visual acuity (BCVA) and
exudate diameter were 1.35+/-0.3 and 1.19 disks (range, 0.5-1.8), respectively. In the control group, which consisted of 10
eyes of 7 patients who refused the
surgery, baseline
mean BCVA and
exudate diameter were 1.06+/-0.2 and 1.2 disks (range, 0.7-2.0), respectively. Main outcome measures included BCVA, fundus photography, and
surgical complications.ResultsThe
mean follow-up was 39.1+/-3.2 months for the study group and 32.5+/-3.6 months for the control group. In the study group, BCVA improved in 8 (73%)
eyes at the final examination. The
mean final BCVA was 1.08+/-0.4 (P=0.021).
Macular oedema and
exudates resolved completely in all
eyes. In the control group, final LogMAR
visual acuity declined to 1.53+/-0.1 (P=0.005). Macular
pigment epithelium atrophy or
scar formation was observed in 7 (64%)
eyes in the study group and in all
eyes in the control group.ConclusionSurgical excision of plaque-like
foveal hard
exudates resulted in better
anatomical and functional outcome when compared to observation alone.
Eye (2008) 22, 1099-1104; doi:10.1038/sj.
eye.6702877; published online 20 July 2007.
