Suprachoroidal hemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage is an uncommon but serious complication of pars plana vitrectomy that can be associated with a guarded visual prognosis. Risk factors for development of suprachoroidal hemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy include high myopia, history of previous retinal detachment surgery, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, use of cryotherapy, scleral buckling at the time of pars plana vitrectomy, external drainage of the subretinal fluid, intraoperative systemic hypertension, and bucking during general anesthesia. In eyes with suprachoroidal hemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy, the final visual and anatomic outcomes may be compromised by persistent retinal detachment, secondary glaucoma, and ocular hypotony. In most cases, intraoperative drainage of suprachoroidal hemorrhage is not associated with a better outcome. The prognosis is more favorable if the suprachoroidal hemorrhage is localized and does not extend in to the posterior pole. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.