Surgical Approaches for Vitreomacular Tractions

Purpose: The aim is to describe the main characteristics of different approaches in vitreomacular traction surgery. Setting/Venue: The video (see www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/ 000442579) about vitreomacular traction surgery was created at the Department of Ophthalmology, Virgin Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain. Methods: We present the surgical release of vitreomacular tractions in three different pathologies: (1) idiopathic epimacular membrane; (2) proliferative diabetic retinopathy with long-term hemovitreous, and (3) Coats' disease. Results: Although functional success is less common than anatomical success, we will never be able to improve vision without restoring retinal anatomy. Conclusions: Vitreomacular tractions are perfectly well known by ophthalmologists. However, the method used to release them must be the least aggressive possible in order to avoid retinal tears or macular holes with subsequent visual loss.