Illustration of gentle release of vitreomacular traction in eye.

Can a Simple Eye Procedure Boost Success of Vitreomacular Traction Treatment?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Potential of Anterior Chamber Paracentesis in Enhancing Ocriplasmin Injections for VMT"

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) occurs when the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye, pulls abnormally on the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. This can lead to distorted vision or even vision loss. Ocriplasmin, a medication injected into the eye, is designed to release this traction, but its success rate varies.

A recent study explores a new approach to improve the effectiveness of ocriplasmin injections for VMT. This involves performing anterior chamber paracentesis – a procedure to reduce eye pressure – just before the ocriplasmin injection. The aim is to see if lowering eye pressure beforehand could enhance the drug's ability to resolve VMT.

This article delves into the findings of this study, examining how anterior chamber paracentesis may impact the success of ocriplasmin injections in treating symptomatic VMT, offering new hope for those seeking improved vision outcomes.

How Does Lowering Eye Pressure Potentially Improve VMT Treatment?

Illustration of gentle release of vitreomacular traction in eye.

The study involved five patients with symptomatic VMT. Each patient underwent a comprehensive eye exam, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to visualize the macula. Before receiving an ocriplasmin injection, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed to gently lower the eye pressure.

Following the injections, patients were monitored at regular intervals to assess the resolution of VMT and any changes in vision. Here's what the researchers observed:

Improved VMT Release: In 4 out of 5 patients, the VMT was completely released after the combined procedure.
Enhanced Vision: These four patients also experienced improvements in their visual acuity.
No Adverse Effects: Importantly, no adverse events were observed, suggesting the combined procedure is safe.

The researchers believe that lowering the eye pressure through anterior chamber paracentesis might create a more favorable environment for the ocriplasmin to work. The reduced pressure could allow for better drug distribution within the eye, potentially increasing the chances of successful VMT release. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, the initial results are promising.

The Future of VMT Treatment: What's Next?

This small study suggests that anterior chamber paracentesis before ocriplasmin injection could potentially increase the success rate of VMT treatment. The study's authors highlight that their findings are preliminary and based on a limited number of cases.

Larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these results and to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, future research should investigate how paracentesis affects posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) development and its role in VMT release.

If further research validates these findings, this combined approach could become a valuable tool for improving outcomes for individuals with symptomatic VMT, offering a less invasive and more effective treatment option.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5301/ejo.5000769, Alternate LINK

Title: Treatment Of Vitreomacular Traction With Intravitreal Ocriplasmin Preceded By Anterior Chamber Paracentesis: Case Reports

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: European Journal of Ophthalmology

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Stanislao Rizzo, Daniela Bacherini, Giacomo Abbruzzese, Matteo Giuntoli, Gianni Virgili

Published: 2016-04-08

Everything You Need To Know

What is Vitreomacular traction (VMT), and why is it a problem?

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is a condition where the vitreous, a gel-like substance inside the eye, pulls on the macula, the central part of the retina. This traction can distort vision or lead to vision loss. It's a mechanical issue within the eye that affects the macula's ability to function correctly. The implications of VMT are significant, potentially impacting a person's ability to perform daily activities that require clear vision, such as reading or driving.

What is Ocriplasmin, and how is it used?

Ocriplasmin is a medication injected into the eye to treat Vitreomacular traction (VMT). Its primary function is to dissolve the protein bonds that cause the vitreous to pull on the macula, thereby releasing the traction. However, the effectiveness of Ocriplasmin can vary. In this context, the study aims to improve the success rate of Ocriplasmin injections.

What is anterior chamber paracentesis, and why is it being investigated in relation to VMT treatment?

Anterior chamber paracentesis is a procedure where eye pressure is reduced by gently removing fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye. The study explores performing this procedure just before an Ocriplasmin injection. The rationale is that lowering the eye pressure might create a more conducive environment for the Ocriplasmin to work, potentially improving its efficacy in releasing the Vitreomacular traction (VMT).

What were the results of the study on combining anterior chamber paracentesis with Ocriplasmin?

The study involved five patients with symptomatic Vitreomacular traction (VMT). In four out of these five patients, the Vitreomacular traction (VMT) was completely released after the combined procedure of anterior chamber paracentesis and Ocriplasmin injection. These same four patients also showed improvements in their visual acuity. The results suggest a positive correlation between the combined procedure and improved outcomes for those with VMT.

What are the next steps or implications of this research?

The study's findings are preliminary and based on a limited number of cases. While the initial results are promising, more extensive studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and long-term effects of combining anterior chamber paracentesis with Ocriplasmin injections for the treatment of Vitreomacular traction (VMT). Future research should focus on larger patient groups to assess the overall benefits, safety, and potential risks associated with this combined approach. The goal is to validate the procedure, understand the mechanisms involved, and refine the treatment for optimal patient outcomes.