Delayed Retinal Breaks and Detachments after Acute Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Abstract

To determine the incidence and timing of delayed retinal breaks and retinal detachments (RDs) after acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and associated risk factors. Retrospective case-control study. Acute PVD eyes treated between October 2015 and August 2018 at a single academic retina practice. Eyes with a PVD diagnosis and history of extended ophthalmoscopic examination on presentation were identified using diagnostic billing codes. The number of eyes with a history of laser retinopexy, cryotherapy for retinal tear, or RD repair was determined using procedural billing codes, and the duration between initial and treatment visits was measured. Records of eyes with a delayed retinal break or RD and of a reference group comprising the first 100 presenting eyes with no initial or delayed retinal break or RD were reviewed to determine and compare the presence of select risk factors on initial examination. Development of a delayed retinal break or RD. Of 7999 eyes with acute PVD, 1280 (16.0%) showed a retinal break and 499 (6.2%) showed an RD on presentation. Delayed retinal breaks and RDs were found in 209 (2.6%) and 80 (1.0%) eyes, respectively. Of delayed breaks, 116 (55.5%) were found in 6 weeks or less and 93 (44.5%) were found more than 6 weeks after presentation. Of delayed RDs, 26 (32.5%) were found in 6 weeks or less and 54 (67.5%) were found more than 6 weeks after presentation. Compared with the reference group, vitreous hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 2.53 [P < 0.001] and 2.80 [P= 0.001]) and male gender (hazard ratio, 1.36 [P= 0.03] and 1.87 [P= 0.02]) were risk factors for delayed retinal breaks and RDs, respectively. Pseudophakia (hazard ratio, 2.10; P= 0.004) was also a risk factor for delayed RD; older age (odds ratio, 0.96; P= 0.01) was slightly protective. Vitreous hemorrhage was a risk factor for earlier retinal breaks (≤6 weeks vs. >6 weeks; odds ratio, 3.58; P < 0.001). Clinically significant rates of newly detected retinal breaks and RDs may occur after acute PVD, suggesting that repeat examination may be prudent in these patients.