Proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy is a sophisticated disease that complicates vitreoretinal pathologies like retinal detachments. Since its first description in the 1960s, we have learned a lot about this pathological entity; however, despite a large number of promising laboratory and clinical pharmacological research projects, we are still unable to stop proliferation and are certainly not able to prevent this terrible complication. As a result, vitreoretinal surgeons still have to fight membrane formation in complicated and long vitreoretinal procedures. Fortunately, a revolution has taken place in equipment for these procedures. This chapter will examine the pathophysiology, classification, and pharmacotherapy, and describe the strategy and rationale of how to deal with this recurrent condition and to limit and contain its sequelae.