Which surgical procedure could be used to treat a diabetic patient with a non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage?

The surgical procedure that is appropriate for treating a diabetic patient with a non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage is vitrectomy. This procedure involves the surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the eye, which is often necessary when blood from a hemorrhage has accumulated and is preventing light from reaching the retina. Vitrectomy can help clear the vitreous, allowing for better visualization of the retina and potentially leading to the treatment of any underlying issues, such as retinal tears or detachments that may have contributed to the hemorrhage.

In diabetic patients, vitreous hemorrhage can occur due to retinal neovascularization, which is the growth of new, fragile blood vessels that can leak blood into the vitreous cavity. By performing a vitrectomy, surgeons can not only remove the blood but can also address these neovascular changes, potentially preserving vision and preventing further complications.

Other surgical options listed, such as corneal transplant, laser photocoagulation, and cataract extraction, do not directly address the issue of vitreous hemorrhage. A corneal transplant is focused on replacing a damaged cornea, laser photocoagulation is typically used for treating retinal conditions like diabetic retinopathy, and cataract extraction addresses lens opacity rather than hemorrhagic