Evaluation of the Impact of Endoillumination Duration on Functional Outcomes and Safety in Vitreoretinal Surgery

The duration of endoillumination is considered a potential risk factor for phototoxic retinal damage during vitreoretinal surgeries. Despite the widespread use of modern lighting systems, clinical data on the effect of endoillumination duration on functional outcomes remain limited. 

Objective: to evaluate the impact of endoillumination duration on functional outcomes and the safety of vitreoretinal surgery. 

Patients and methods. The study included patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgeries for macular holes (n = 31), retinal detachments (n = 48), and epiretinal membranes (n = 25). The duration of endoillumination, initial and postoperative bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA), type of tamponade, and features of the surgical technique were assessed. Statistical analysis involved multivariate regression models to identify determinants of functional outcomes. 

Results. The duration of endoillumination did not have a statistically significant effect on BCVA at 12 months after surgery (p > 0.05). Anatomical success was achieved in all cases. Functional outcomes were significantly influenced by initial visual acuity (in the macular hole group), type of tamponade, and performance of combined surgery with phacoemulsification (in the retinal detachment group) (p < 0.05). No statistically significant factors were identified in the epiretinal membrane group. 

Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that the duration of endoillumination does not significantly affect the functional outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery, while the primary role remains with the initial anatomical and functional characteristics of the eye and the features of the surgical technique.

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