Visual field loss caused by retinal vascular occlusion after vitrectomy surgery.

PURPOSE: To report complete superonasal retinal arterial occlusion with resulting temporal visual field loss after uneventful pars plana vitrectomy with gas-fluid exchange.

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS: Superonasal retinal arterial occlusion was observed 12 days after vitrectomy surgery. Within 10 weeks, the artery reperfused, leaving minimal vascular attenuation and mild optic atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS: Uneventful vitrectomy surgery can be associated with notable peripheral visual field loss caused by arterial occlusion in the immediate postoperative period. Rapid resorption of the intraocular gas and timely postoperative examination may disclose retinal arteriolar occlusion; otherwise, subsequent reperfusion may leave little evidence of the vascular event.