Outcomes of a Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body Implantation: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND: The vitreous body is an important part of the ocular body fluid. A foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) is designed to treat chronic adverse complications in severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes. This study is aimed at investigating a method for implanting an FCVB, its postoperative efficacy, and clinical value. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 18 patients who underwent vitrectomy and FCVB implantation for severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes between March 2019 and May 2020. All treated eyes underwent clinical examinations involving the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, FCVB position, anterior segment photography, and wide-angle fundus photography regularly after surgery. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes from 18 patients were enrolled in this study. A total of 2.00–4.20 (3.46 ± 0.78) ml of silicone oil were injected into the FCVB during surgery. The patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 4 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Twelve months after surgery, visual acuity improved in 7 (38.89%) eyes. In contrast, 10 (55.56%) eyes showed no obvious improvement, and 1 (5.56%) eye had decreased vision. Intraocular pressure at 12 months was 10.13 ± 3.52 mmHg, which was comparable to that before the surgery (t = 0.38, P = 0.71). The anterior chamber depth examined by slit lamp was 2.00–3.00 cornea thickness (CT) in 7 eyes, 1.00–2.00 CT in 2 eyes, and <1.00 CT in one eye. The anterior chamber disappeared in eight eyes. There were eight eyes with clear cornea, four eyes with localized opacity, and two eyes with obvious gray-white opacity. There was no case of severe FCVB deflection, rupture, or exposure during the observation period. CONCLUSION: FCVB implantation is an effective and safe treatment for eyes with severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes. It may support retinal reattachment, slow down eyeball atrophy, reduce the risk of chronic adverse complications such as corneal endothelial decompensation, and maintain intraocular pressure and preoperative visual function.