Proliferative vitreoretinopathy

What is proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is a condition that can develop as a complication of a detached retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the back of the eye.

Having a detached retina means that it has come away from the supporting tissue underneath it. This can happen when fluid builds-up under the retina after coming from the compartment of the eye that's in front of the retina through a hole or tear. 

In proliferative vitreoretinopathy, some of the cells in the retina start to multiply and may produce scar tissue. The scar tightens and pulls the retina away again. If this happens, it is not possible to reattach without sight loss.

What causes proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy happens when cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (one of the different layers that make up the retina) come into contact with fluid from the vitreous humour – a clear gel that fills the space in front of the retina. The contact triggers an immune system response that tells the cells to start multiplying.

What are the signs and symptoms of proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

If proliferative vitreoretinopathy leads to scar tissue, the scar will block light from reaching parts of the retina. This will mean there are some patches of sight loss in the affected eye. Because it's a complication that can follow surgery to re-attach a detached retina, the medical team will monitor your recovery to find out whether it is likely to develop.

What are the treatments for proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

A second operation to re-attach the retina is the only treatment for proliferative vitreoretinopathy but there will be sight loss in the area of retina affected by scar tissue.

What research is there into proliferative vitreoretinopathy?

We urgently need to develop treatments that could stop proliferative vitreoretinopathy from developing. Unfortunately the drugs that could treat it are not suitable for people with retinal detachment as they could also damage the eye and cause sight loss. So one goal for research is to develop safer drug treatments. We also need to understand more about the factors that increase the risk of it happening.

Fight for Sight's Research Strategy has pledged to spend over 20 million on pioneering eye research over the next five years. If you're personally affected by proliferative vitreoretinopathy and are interested in fundraising to help us fund cutting-edge research in this area find out how to set up a family fund.