Novel Insights Into Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: The role of vitreous cortex remnants

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) significantly impacts the prognosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), one of the most critical and increasing causes of vision loss in the Western world. Despite advancements in surgical instruments and techniques, the failure rate due to PVR remains substantial, necessitating additional surgeries and often leading to unsatisfactory visual outcomes. This thesis explores the role of vitreoschisis-induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) as a critical, previously under-recognised factor contributing to PVR.

Vitreoschisis, a phenomenon where the inner lamellae of the posterior vitreous cortex detach while the outermost layers remain attached to the retina, creates VCR that may contain hyalocytes and serve as scaffolds for fibrocellular proliferation. These remnants are difficult to visualise without triamcinolone acetonide (TA) staining, leading to their frequent lack of recognition in clinical practice. Moreover, removing VCR can be challenging and time-consuming, often requiring meticulous surgical techniques to avoid retinal damage and ensure complete elimination.

This thesis consolidates insights from basic research and clinical practice, emphasising the importance of complete vitreous removal and effective VCR detection and removal to mitigate PVR risks. It highlights the histopathological and clinical evidence supporting the hypothesis that VCR, containing hyalocytes, play a pivotal role in preretinal membrane formation. The thesis also discusses epidemiological data, surgical management strategies and potential future directions, including improved visualisation techniques and the development of new surgical tools and methods. Ultimately, this thesis aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the frequency and burden of complications related to RRD and other complex retinopathies by addressing VCR as a critical factor in PVR.