Ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness and visual improvement after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the association of postoperative macular ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness with postoperative visual outcomes in patients undergoing vitrectomy for macular–off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.MethodsData from 22 eyes with macular‐off RRD who were followed for more 6 months after successful pars plana vitrectomy were analyzed. Macular GCIPL thickness in eyes with RRD was compared with that of the normal contralateral eyes 6 months after surgery. The correlation between the interocular difference in GCIPL thickness and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated.ResultsPreoperative and postoperative central macular thickness were 538.09 ± 318.42 μm, 230.77 ± 34.69 μm. Mean GCIPL thickness was significantly decreased with time after surgery (3 vs. 6 months, p < 0.01). Mean GCIPL thickness in eyes with RRD 6 months after surgery were 61.04 ± 12.04 μm and in the unaffected contralateral eyes were 73.67 ± 6.73 μm. The interocular difference in macular GCIP thickness was significantly correlated with postoperative BCVA. Among patients with intact photoreceptor layers, a greater decrease in GCIPL thickness was correlated with a worse postoperative BCVA (r = 0.629; p = 0.02). No significant correlation were identified between interocular macular GCIPL thickness difference and age (r = 0.629; p = 0.85), axial length (r = 0.874; p = 0.43).ConclusionsMacular GCIPL thickness decreased after vitrectomy to repair for RRD. The decrease in GCIPL thickness was significantly correlated with postoperative visual outcomes.