Vitreoretinopathy

Vitreoretinopathy is an umbrella term for diseases where the vitreous gel (the clear jelly filling the eye) and the retina (the light-sensing layer lining the back of the eye) are both involved. In these conditions, changes in the vitreous—such as pulling, scarring, or abnormal blood vessel growth—stress or distort the retina, which can blur vision, bend straight lines, cause floaters or flashes, and in severe cases detach the retina. Doctors often talk about specific subtypes rather than the broad word “vitreoretinopathy.” For example, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is scarring after a retinal detachment; familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is an inherited problem of under-grown retinal blood vessels; and vitreomacular traction (VMT) is a sticky partial separation of the gel from the macula (the central retina). EyeWiki+4EyeWiki+4PMC+4

Vitreoretinopathy refers to disease processes involving both the vitreous gel and the retina. In practice, clinicians most often mean proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)—a wound-healing–like response after retinal detachment (or trauma) where cells proliferate and contract into membranes on both sides of the retina, stiffening and re-detaching it despite prior surgery. This scarring undermines successful reattachment and visual recovery. PVR forms through inflammation, cytokine signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells, and contractile forces from myofibroblast-like cells. PMC+2PMC+2

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Other names

• “Vitreoretinal disease/disorder/degeneration” — a broad way to refer to problems that involve both vitreous and retina (used in teaching and in classification lists). EyeWiki

• Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) — the scarring complication after a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; older names include “massive vitreous retraction” and “massive periretinal proliferation.” EyeWiki+1

• Vitreomacular traction (VMT) and vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) — disorders at the vitreoretinal interface where the vitreous pulls abnormally on the macula. EyeWiki+1

• Inherited vitreoretinopathies such as FEVR, Stickler syndrome, and Wagner syndrome. EyeWiki+2EyeWiki+2

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Types

1. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR): Scar-like membranes form on or under the retina after a retinal detachment. These membranes contract and can re-detach the retina or make it hard to reattach. EyeWiki+1

2. Vitreomacular traction (VMT): The vitreous starts to separate with age but stays stuck at the macula, tugging and distorting central retina; OCT imaging confirms it. EyeWiki+1

3. Epiretinal membrane (ERM)/macular pucker: A thin sheet grows on the retinal surface and contracts, wrinkling the macula; often related to the same interface problem as VMT. AAO

4. Inherited vitreoretinopathies:

   • FEVR: Peripheral retinal blood vessels don’t fully develop; leads to ischemia, leakage, fibrovascular tissue, and tractional detachments. EyeWiki+1

   • Stickler syndrome: A collagen disorder with characteristic vitreous changes and high risk of giant retinal tears and detachments. NCBI+1

   • Wagner syndrome: Autosomal dominant disease due to VCAN (versican) mutations; “optically empty” vitreous, myopia, chorioretinal atrophy. EyeWiki+1

5. Tractional retinopathies from vascular disease: e.g., proliferative diabetic retinopathy and vein occlusions where fibrovascular tissue pulls the retina. NCBI

6. Pediatric ischemic traction disorders: e.g., retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and sometimes Coats-like exudation; these may overlap in features with FEVR but have different causes. (Wide-field angiography helps tell them apart.) AAO Journal+1

7. Vitreopapillary traction: Adhesion at the optic disc causing nerve fiber layer thickening and visual symptoms. EyeWiki

8. Peripheral vitreoretinal degenerations: Lattice and related lesions that raise risk of tears and detachment (vitreoretinal category in peripheral degenerations). EyeWiki

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Causes

1. Retinal detachment (and its repair): PVR is the leading cause of failed detachment surgery because healing goes into overdrive and forms contractile membranes. PMC

2. Aging vitreous separation gone awry: Partial, sticky separation of vitreous can leave abnormal traction (VMT/ERM). EyeWiki

3. Genetic mutations affecting retinal vessels (FEVR): Defects in FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, NDP, and others in the Norrin/β-catenin pathway disrupt peripheral vascularization. PubMed+1

4. Collagen/connective tissue disorders: Stickler changes the vitreous structure, predisposing to tears and detachment. NCBI

5. Versican (VCAN) defects: Wagner syndrome alters vitreous composition and retinal support. EyeWiki+1

6. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: New vessels and fibrous tissue pull on the retina (tractional detachment). NCBI

7. Retinal vein occlusion: Post-ischemic fibrovascular proliferation can exert traction. NCBI

8. Ocular trauma: Tears, hemorrhage, and inflammation trigger scarring responses akin to PVR. (Mechanisms summarized in PVR reviews.) PMC

9. Inflammation/uveitis: Inflammatory mediators promote membrane formation on the retinal surface (noted among PVR risk contexts). PMC

10. High myopia: Thinner retina and abnormal vitreous promote lattice, macular holes, and tractional changes. (Peripheral degeneration category includes lattice risk.) EyeWiki

11. Prior intraocular surgery (e.g., detachment repair, cataract in high-risk eyes): Surgery can seed cells into the vitreous and stimulate scarring (classic PVR setting). PMC

12. Retinopathy of prematurity: Incompletely vascularized retina responds with neovascularization and tractional folds/detachment. (Wide-field FA helps delineate.) AAO Journal

13. Coats-like exudation in pediatric retinopathies: Leakage and fibrovascular responses can secondarily tug on retina; UWFA delineates the extent. PMC

14. Vitreopapillary adhesion variants: Persistent adhesion at the optic nerve leads to local traction and visual disturbance. EyeWiki

15. Post-hemorrhagic organization: Clotted blood can scaffold fibrous proliferation along the retinal surface (recognized in PVR literature). PMC

16. Ischemia/hypoxia of peripheral retina: Central driver in FEVR, provoking neovascularization and traction. NCBI

17. Tissue healing misdirection: Some people’s eyes mount an exuberant wound-healing response after RD—the core biology of PVR. EyeWiki

18. Interface disease spectrum: VMT, macular holes, and puckers are different faces of the same interface problem, often following partial PVD. AAO

19. Peripheral vitreoretinal lesions (e.g., lattice): Predispose to tears and subsequent vitreoretinal scarring. EyeWiki

20. Family history of inherited forms: Subclinical findings in relatives are common in FEVR, underscoring heritable risk. American Society of Retina Specialists

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Symptoms

1. Blurred vision: Because traction or scarring distorts the retinal layers that handle fine focus. (Common in VMT/ERM.) EyeWiki

2. Metamorphopsia (bent/wavy lines): A classic macular traction sign; straight lines look rippled or kinked. EyeWiki

3. Floaters: Mobile specks or cobwebs from vitreous changes or tiny hemorrhages. (Common across vitreoretinal disorders.) EyeWiki

4. Flashes (photopsias): Brief light streaks when the vitreous tugs on the retina. (Interface stress.) EyeWiki

5. Reduced central sharpness/acuity: Especially in VMT/ERM and inherited macular-involving disease. EyeWiki

6. Micropsia or macropsia: Objects look smaller or larger due to macular distortion. EyeWiki

7. Scotoma (blank or gray patch): From focal edema, macular holes, or small detachments. EyeWiki

8. Difficulty reading or recognizing faces: Subtle early complaint in macular traction disorders. EyeWiki

9. Night vision problems: Reported in some inherited vitreoretinopathies (e.g., Wagner). EyeWiki

10. Peripheral vision loss: From peripheral ischemia, traction, or detachments (e.g., FEVR). NCBI

11. “Curtain” or shadow: Emergency sign of retinal detachment or tractional folds. NCBI

12. Eye strain or headache with detailed tasks: Because distorted central vision forces extra effort. EyeWiki

13. Color/contrast fading: Macular stress can reduce contrast sensitivity. EyeWiki

14. Asymmetry between eyes: One eye may look normal while the other shows traction or ischemia; FEVR is often asymmetric. NCBI

15. Symptoms in relatives (or none at all): In inherited forms, family members can have subtle findings or be asymptomatic even with angiographic changes. American Society of Retina Specialists

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Diagnostic tests

A) Physical-exam–based tests (in the clinic)

1. History and symptom review: Questions about wavy lines, flashes, floaters, family history, prematurity, diabetes, trauma, or prior eye surgery help steer the diagnosis. (Framework used across references.) NCBI+1

2. Best-corrected visual acuity: Measures the impact on central vision and tracks change over time. (Core outcome in VMT/ERM and PVR care.) EyeWiki

3. Pupil exam (looking for relative afferent defect): A strong afferent defect may suggest significant retinal/optic nerve dysfunction. (Standard ophthalmic exam practice; context within interface disease reviews.) ScienceDirect

4. Intraocular pressure (IOP): High or low pressure can accompany tractional detachments or inflammation; it also guides safe treatment plans. NCBI

5. Dilated fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy: The clinician examines the retina with lenses to see tears, traction, folds, or peripheral avascular retina. This is the cornerstone exam for all vitreoretinal disease. NCBI

B) “Manual” chairside tests and techniques

6. Amsler grid (straight-line chart): You look at a square grid; wavy or missing lines point to macular traction or edema. (Common macular self-test referenced in interface disease education.) AAO

7. Scleral depression during indirect exam: The doctor gently indents the eye’s wall to reveal tiny peripheral tears or traction areas that might be missed otherwise—important in PVR risk eyes. EyeWiki

8. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy with contact lens: High-magnification view of the macula and vitreous face to detect ERMs, VMT, or subtle membranes. (Standard in VMT diagnostic workflow with OCT confirmation.) EyeWiki

9. Family screening exam (FEVR): Because FEVR is inherited and often asymmetric, examining both eyes and relatives can reveal diagnostic clues even when symptoms are mild. American Society of Retina Specialists

10. Examination under anesthesia (young children): When cooperation is limited (e.g., suspected FEVR or ROP), the retina is examined and imaged safely while the child sleeps under anesthesia. NCBI

C) Laboratory / pathological and genetic tests

11. Targeted genetic testing panels (FEVR genes): Panels commonly include FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, NDP and may extend to ZNF408, KIF11, CTNNB1, etc. A positive result confirms the inherited diagnosis and guides family counseling. PubMed+2Ophthalmology Science+2

12. Clinical variant interpretation (gene-dosage curation): Databases like ClinGen and published cohorts describe how specific variants cause disease and how often panels find answers. This helps set expectations for families (not every case has an identifiable variant). search.clinicalgenome.org

13. Inflammatory or systemic labs when indicated: If uveitis, infection, or systemic vascular disease is suspected, tailored blood tests support the overall workup (context from PVR/pathophysiology reviews). PMC

14. Vitreous/epiretinal membrane pathology (rarely): In surgical cases, removed membranes can be studied; they typically show RPE, glial, and fibrocellular proliferation in PVR, explaining the contractile behavior. PMC

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

15. Full-field electroretinogram (ERG): Measures global retinal electrical responses; reduced signals suggest widespread dysfunction (e.g., in advanced inherited disease). (Electrodiagnostics are standard adjuncts in retinal disorders; interface disease reviews place them as supportive tests.) ScienceDirect

16. Multifocal ERG (mfERG): Maps central retinal function to detect focal macular impairment from traction or edema not obvious clinically. ScienceDirect

17. Visual-evoked potentials (VEP): Assesses the visual pathway response; less specific for vitreoretinal disease but useful when reduced vision seems out of proportion to findings. ScienceDirect

E) Imaging tests (the mainstay in modern care)

18. Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-contact scan that draws crisp cross-sections of the retina; it confirms VMT/ERM, shows foveal detachment, edema, holes, and tracks change over time. This is the key test for macular interface disease. EyeWiki+2EyeWiki+2

19. Fluorescein angiography (FA), ideally wide-field: FA shows leakage, nonperfusion, and neovascularization. Wide-field FA is the gold standard for diagnosing and staging FEVR and for directing treatment (e.g., targeted laser). AAO+2EyeWiki+2

20. B-scan ocular ultrasound: When the view is cloudy (blood, cataract), ultrasound detects membranes, traction, and detachments, guiding urgent decisions—especially in PVR and tractional RD. (Ultrasound is standard in retinal detachment/opaque media evaluation within StatPearls/retina practice.) NCBI

Fundus photography for documentation; OCT-A (angiography without dye) for capillary maps; and, in selected pediatric or peripheral diseases, ultra-widefield systems that capture the far periphery in a single shot—critical in FEVR care.

Non-pharmacological treatments

1. Urgent surgical repair of detachment: timely vitrectomy or buckle reduces inflammatory signaling that seeds PVR. Goal: reattach and stabilize the retina before scarring matures. Mayo Clinic

2. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV): removes vitreous scaffolding and access membranes; essential platform for all other steps. Mayo Clinic

3. Membrane peeling (ERM/ILM and PVR sheets): carefully lifts and peels fibrocellular tissue to restore retinal flexibility and flattening. EyeWiki

4. Relaxing retinotomy/retinectomy: strategic retinal cuts when contraction is severe; allows retina to lie flat without traction. AAO

5. Endolaser photocoagulation: welds the retina around tears and retinectomy edges to prevent fluid re-entry. Mayo Clinic

6. Tamponade with gas (SF6/C3F8): an internal temporary “splint” pressing the retina against the wall to heal. Choice depends on break location and need for duration. Cochrane Library

7. Tamponade with silicone oil: longer-term support when severe PVR or inferior pathology needs persistent internal pressure; removed later if possible. Cochrane Library

8. Scleral buckle (encircling band): external support to reduce vitreoretinal traction, often combined with PPV in complex PVR. Cochrane Library

9. 360° laser or cryopexy (judicious): prophylactic barricade in selected high-risk patterns; must avoid overtreatment that fuels scarring. Cochrane

10. Prone/positioning therapy: using gravity to keep tamponade against breaks; improves anatomical success. Mayo Clinic

11. Perfluorocarbon liquids (intraoperative): temporarily flatten the retina to free hands for peeling and laser without slippage. Mayo Clinic

12. Careful inflammation control peri-op (steroid protocol, hygiene): reduces cytokine surge that feeds PVR. EyeWiki

13. Manage IOP spikes (medications/posture): protects optic nerve while edema resolves. Mayo Clinic

14. Cataract management planning: lens status affects view and OCT; combined or staged surgery can help outcomes. EyeWiki

15. Patient education on warning signs: immediate care for new flashes, floaters, curtain—prevents prolonged macula-off time. National Eye Institute

16. Close post-op follow-up (first weeks): detect early recurrent traction or folds before they fix. EyeWiki

17. Second-look surgery when membranes recur: iterative approach is often necessary in severe PVR. EyeWiki

18. Use of wide-angle viewing/illumination systems: improves peripheral peel and laser quality. EyeWiki

19. Adjunctive tamponade strategies (heavy silicone oils, mixed gases) in select cases: optimize inferior support. Cochrane Library

20. Rehabilitation & low-vision support: magnifiers, contrast tools, and training maximize function after anatomical success. EyeWiki

Reality check on medicines for PVR: Despite many trials, no non-surgical drug has repeatedly shown large, consistent benefit for PVR itself; surgery remains the backbone of care. Nature+1

Drug treatments

Important: The FDA labels confirm dosing/risks for each drug’s approved indications; using them in PVR is usually adjunctive or off-label (e.g., to control inflammation or edema around surgery). I cite FDA labels so you have authoritative safety/dosing information.

1. Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®)—a steroid implant used for retinal vein occlusion, non-infectious posterior uveitis, and DME; surgeons may use steroid strategies peri-PVR to quiet inflammation that feeds scarring (monitor for IOP rise/cataract). FDA Access Data+1

2. Ranibizumab (Lucentis®)—anti-VEGF for RVO/DME/DR; reduces edema and vascular leakage that complicate repairs; monthly 0.5 mg dosing per label in RVO. FDA Access Data+1

3. Aflibercept (Eylea® / Eylea HD)—anti-VEGF for RVO/DME/DR with labeled q4wk induction then extend; helpful where edema/ischemia coexist with complex RD care. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

4. Bevacizumab (Avastin®)—anti-VEGF oncology drug commonly compounded intravitreally off-label; label shows class effects and systemic risks (hypertension, bleeding). FDA Access Data+1

5. Ketorolac ophthalmic (Acular® / Acuvail®)—topical NSAID for post-op pain/inflammation; may reduce surface inflammation; space drops 5+ minutes from others. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

6. Bromfenac ophthalmic (Prolensa®/BromSite®/Xibrom™)—topical NSAID for post-cataract inflammation; labels warn of delayed healing with NSAIDs/steroids together. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

7. Prednisolone acetate 1% (Pred Forte®/Omnipred®)—topical steroid for anterior segment inflammation; helps calm the eye peri-op; monitor IOP. FDA Access Data+1

8. Atropine 1% ophthalmic—cycloplegic to rest the ciliary body, relieve spasm-ache, and stabilize the anterior chamber post-op; label notes photophobia and systemic absorption cautions. FDA Access Data+1

9. Acetazolamide (Diamox®)—oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to lower IOP and sometimes reduce macular edema; labels outline dosing and contraindications (sulfa). FDA Access Data+1

10. Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog®)—label is for IM/intra-articular; intravitreal use is off-label but widely used intra-op to stain vitreous and as steroid; label helps understand steroid risks. FDA Access Data

11. Methotrexate (systemic/injectable forms)—labels are for oncology/rheumatology; intravitreal low-dose methotrexate is an off-label adjunct under study to reduce recurrent PVR membranes. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

12. Topical antibiotic-steroid combos (e.g., gentamicin/prednisolone)—cover surface flora and inflammation when indicated after combined procedures; label lists steroid risks. FDA Access Data

13. IOP-lowering drops (beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, CAIs, prostaglandins)—chosen by the surgeon if oil or steroid causes pressure rises; labels vary (class-based). Use per eye-care clinician. (General practice statement aligned with surgical aftercare.) EyeWiki

14. Peri-operative systemic steroids—not FDA-labeled for PVR, but used by many surgeons to reduce postoperative inflammation; risk-benefit individualized (glucose, infection). EyeWiki

15. Anti-TNF (infliximab) investigational intravitreal use—pipeline/early data only; not FDA-approved for intraocular PVR. Retina Today
    16–20) Additional adjuncts under investigation (5-FU/heparin, sirolimus, corticosteroid regimens, anti-proliferatives, sustained-delivery anti-inflammatories)—none have consistent, replicated clinical benefit yet; use remains research-driven. Nature+1

Safety note: There are no FDA-approved “stem-cell” or “regenerative” drugs for treating vitreoretinopathy/PVR. Be cautious with any such claims; clinics offering intraocular stem cells without FDA approval have caused severe vision loss. I can summarize ongoing legitimate trials if helpful. Nature

Dietary molecular supplements

Supplements can support overall retinal health (especially in coexisting macular disease), but they do not replace surgery for PVR. The best-studied formula is AREDS2 (lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C/E, zinc, copper) for age-related macular degeneration progression—often relevant in the same age group. Discuss with your retina specialist. National Eye Institute

1. Lutein—a macular carotenoid that filters blue light and quenches oxidative stress; dietary leafy greens are best, supplements are per AREDS2 guidance. National Eye Institute

2. Zeaxanthin—partners with lutein in macular pigment for antioxidant/blue-light filtering. National Eye Institute

3. Vitamin C—aqueous antioxidant that supports collagen and reduces oxidative damage. National Eye Institute

4. Vitamin E—lipid-phase antioxidant protecting photoreceptor membranes. National Eye Institute

5. Zinc—cofactor for retinal enzymes; part of AREDS2 to slow AMD progression. National Eye Institute

6. Copper—included in AREDS2 to prevent copper-deficiency anemia when using zinc. National Eye Institute

7. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA)—support photoreceptor membranes; dietary fish intake is associated with better macular outcomes. Eat Right Pro+1

8. Beta-carotene (avoid in smokers)—replaced by lutein/zeaxanthin in AREDS2 due to lung cancer risk in smokers. National Eye Institute

9. Folate/B-complex—dietary patterns rich in these vitamins correlate with healthier retinal aging. Eat Right Pro

10. Mediterranean-style diet as a “supplement strategy”—whole-diet pattern improves ocular outcomes versus pills alone. Eat Right Pro

Immunity-booster/regenerative/stem-cell” drugs

Currently, no FDA-approved stem-cell or regenerative drugs exist for PVR. Below are safer, reality-based options often discussed around surgery; labels are provided for transparency, but their use in PVR is off-label and decided by your surgeon:

• Dexamethasone implant (anti-inflammatory immune modulation intraocular). FDA Access Data

• Prednisolone acetate topical (surface anti-inflammatory control peri-op). FDA Access Data

• Triamcinolone acetonide (visualizes vitreous; steroid effect). FDA Access Data

• Methotrexate (anti-proliferative; investigational intravitreal). FDA Access Data

• Anti-VEGF (ranibizumab/aflibercept) (reduce edema/ischemia burden). FDA Access Data+1

• Acetazolamide (systemic CAI to control IOP/edema physiology). FDA Access Data

If you want, I can compile a concise table showing approved indications, labeled dosing, and safety warnings straight from the FDA PDFs for each of the above. FDA Access Data+2FDA Access Data+2

Surgeries

1. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling—the core operation: remove vitreous scaffolding and peel scar tissue so the retina can flatten and heal. Why: it removes traction and the “fuel” for recurrent folds. EyeWiki

2. Endolaser barricade—laser “welds” around breaks and edges. Why: prevents fluid from slipping under the retina again. Mayo Clinic

3. Gas tamponade (SF6/C3F8) with positioning. Why: provides internal pressure for weeks while the laser scar matures. Cochrane Library

4. Silicone oil tamponade (often for severe/inferior PVR). Why: long-term support when gas duration/positioning would fail; later removal planned. Cochrane Library

5. Relaxing retinectomy when contraction is extreme. Why: lengthens the retina so it can lie flat without tension. AAO

Prevention tips

You cannot “supplement away” PVR, but you can reduce triggers and protect your eyes: (1) seek care immediately for flashes/floaters/curtain; (2) use protective eyewear at work/sports—most injuries are preventable; (3) control diabetes and hypertension; (4) avoid eye rubbing after surgery; (5) follow drop schedules exactly; (6) attend all early post-op visits; (7) manage inflammation (per surgeon); (8) stop smoking for overall ocular vascular health; (9) wear UV protection; (10) maintain healthy diet emphasizing leafy greens and fish. National Eye Institute+2AAO+2

When to see a doctor

If you notice a sudden shower of floaters, flashes of light, a dark curtain or shadow, or a sudden drop in vision, treat it as an emergency—today, not tomorrow. Early repair limits macular detachment time and reduces the risk of severe PVR. After any RD surgery, return immediately for increasing pain, redness, vision drop, or new distortion. National Eye Institute+1

What to eat & what to avoid

Eat leafy greens (spinach, kale), colorful fruits/vegetables, fish rich in omega-3s (salmon, sardines), whole grains, and nuts/seeds—patterns aligned with Mediterranean-style eating support retinal health over time. Limit ultra-processed foods, excess saturated fat, and smoking/alcohol excess, which correlate with worse ocular outcomes. Supplements (AREDS2) are mainly for AMD risk, not PVR, but your doctor may still advise them based on your overall retina health. Eat Right Pro

FAQs

1) Is PVR the same as “scar tissue” after retinal detachment?
Yes—PVR is the medical term for aggressive scarring and contraction on/under the retina that can re-detach it after repair. PMC

2) Can eye drops cure PVR?
No. Drops help with pain, pressure, and inflammation, but PVR is fundamentally a surgical problem. Nature

3) Why did my vision not improve even though the retina was reattached?
Long macula-off time and microscopic retinal damage from membranes can limit recovery despite anatomical success. EyeWiki

4) Do anti-VEGF injections help PVR?
They help macular edema and ischemic leakage in co-existing diseases; they are not proven cures for PVR membranes. FDA Access Data

5) Are there medicines to prevent PVR at the first surgery?
Many have been studied (5-FU/heparin, steroids, anti-proliferatives), but no agent shows consistent, large benefit yet. Nature

6) Is silicone oil permanent?
Often removed later when stable; timing depends on surgeon judgment and risk of re-detachment. Cochrane Library

7) Can positioning really matter?
Yes—keeping gas/oil against the break optimizes sealing and healing. Mayo Clinic

8) How fast should I act with flashes/floaters?
Same day—fast action reduces macular detachment time and PVR risk. National Eye Institute

9) Are stem-cell injections available for PVR?
No FDA-approved stem-cell therapy exists for PVR; avoid unregulated offerings. Nature

10) Will cataract surgery worsen PVR?
Lens status influences visualization and inflammation; surgeons plan combined or staged approaches based on risk. EyeWiki

11) Do diet and vitamins fix PVR?
No—diet supports long-term retinal health but cannot detach scars; surgery is key. Eat Right Pro

12) What is a “retinectomy”?
A small retinal cut to relax traction so the retina can lie flat; used in severe contraction. AAO

13) Why are multiple surgeries sometimes needed?
PVR can recur as cells keep proliferating; staged operations incrementally remove traction. EyeWiki

14) Can protective eyewear really help me?
Yes—many serious eye injuries are preventable with proper protection, reducing traumatic RD triggers. AAO

15) Where can I read an up-to-date overview?
See recent reviews and patient resources from AAO/EyeWiki and peer-reviewed updates. EyeWiki+1

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: October 03, 2025.

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