AIM: To investigate the clinical effect of 25G+pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)combined with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept in the treatment of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR), and analyze the influence on visual acuity, central foveal thickness(CMT)and serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)level.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from October 2019 to January 2022. A total of 80 patients(87 eyes)with PDR were divided into the two groups according to the treatment method, with 40 patients(45 eyes)treated with 25G+PPV in the control group, and 40 patients(42 eyes)treated with 25G+PPV combined with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept in the observation group. The two groups were compared in terms of the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, CMT and serum VEGF level before treatment and at 2wk, 1 and 3mo after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3mo, with postoperative complications and recurrence recorded.

RESULTS: The incidence of intraoperative bleeding in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). After treatment, the BCVA of the two groups was improved(P<0.05), CMT and serum VEGF level were decreased(P<0.05), but there was no significant change in intraocular pressure(P>0.05). The BCVA and CMT of observation group were lower than those of control group at 1 and 3mo after treatment(P<0.05). Serum VEGF level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group at 3mo after treatment(P<0.05). The incidence of complications in observation group(5%)within 3mo after treatment was significantly lower than that in control group(18%; P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rate of PDR between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: With few complications, 25G+PPV combined with preoperative intravitreal injection of conbercept is effective in the treatment of patients with PDR, which can better promote postoperative vision recovery, improve macular edema, and reduce serum VEGF level.