Capitalizing on Pressure Gradients to Move Vitreous

A pressure gradient causes vitreous prolapse. Such a gradient exists when the wound is open, which means vitreous moves towards the area of lower pressure existing the wound. As Scott Burke, MD, demonstrates in this cadaver eye, it is this characteristic that makes pars plana vitrectomy a useful technique to call vitreous back home.

The images used herein attributed to Steve Charles, MD, are reprinted from Charles S, Calzada J, Wood B. Vitreous Microsurgery. 5th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins; 2011, with permission from Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. http://lww.com

© 2012 Bryn Mawr Communications LLC