To study the fundus findings in the peripheral retina using examination under general anesthesia in patients showing vitreoretinopathy in the unilateral posterior pole of the eye.

The records of 27 patients showing vitreoretinopathy in the unilateral posterior pole of the eye were retrospectively reviewed. Analysis of the records for the fundus finding was performed using indirect ophthlamoscopy at the outpatient clinic, fundus findings and results of fluorescein angiography during examination under general anesthesia.

The viteroretinopathies in the unilateral posterior poles were retinal vascular and vitreous abnormality including avascular area in seven eyes (16%), retinal dragging in 14 eyes (32%), retinal folding in 21 eyes (48%), and total tractional retinal detachment in two eyes (5%). The final clinical diagnoses were familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in 33 patients, incontinentia pigmenti in four eyes, and idiopathic vitreoretinopathy in seven eyes. Abnormal findings in the peripheral retina of the contralateral eye were observed in 27 eyes (61%) when examined under general anesthesia. Leakage in fluorescein angiography was found in 17 contralateral eyes (39%). The treatment including diode laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy was performed in eyes showing active leakage.

Examination of the bilateral fundus is important in patients showing vitreoretinopathy in the unilateral posterior pole. The examination under anesthesia was helpful for diagnosis, evaluation and treatment in patients showing vitreoretinopathy in the unilateral posterior pole of the eye.