AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic vitrectomy for acute retinal necrosis syndrome(ARNS).

METHODS: Twenty-six patients(33 eyes)were retrospectively included in this study. The eyes were divided into 2 groups by treatment, including routine treatment, which consisted of antiviral medication and vitrectomy after retinal detachment(RD)(n=20), and prophylactic vitrectomy, which consisted of antiviral medication and vitrectomy for the prevention of RD performed during the active inflammatory phase(n=13). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 48 months.

RESULTS: In the routine treatment group, retinal detachment occurred in 11 eyes(55%), 4 eyes(20%)developed ocular atrophy, 3 eyes(15%)achieved increased visual acuity. In the prophylactic vitrectomy group, RD occurred in 1 eyes(8%), 5 eyes(38%)achieved increased visual acuity. There was lower incident of retinal detachment in the prophylactic vitrectomy group than that in the routine treatment group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Prophylactic vitrectomy can prevent RD and improve the prognosis of ARNS.