Inner and outer central retinal findings after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using different spectral-domain optical coherence tomography devices

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse macular changes after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Forty eyes with macula-on and 27 eyes with macula-off RRD underwent scleral buckling or vitrectomy and were postoperatively imaged using 2 SD-OCT devices (Cirrus® HD-OCT, RTVue-100®). Measurement of total and inner macular thickness consisting of ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) using Cirrus or retinal nerve fibre layer + ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (RNFL-GCL-IPL) using RTVue was performed. Results of inner macular thickness were compared with image results of 40 healthy controls. Qualitative analysis of inner and outer retinal layers was additionally assessed. Measurement of overall retinal thickness within the 9 ETDRS sectors was highly correlated between both OCTs (Pearson's r, range 0.88-0.99; p < 0.001). Correlation of RNFL-GCL-IPL complex between OCTs was excellent in both surgery groups (Pearson's r, range 0.73-0.88; p < 0.001) and normal controls (Pearson's r, range 0.79-0.90; p < 0.001). The RNFL-GCL-IPL complex was thicker in both surgery groups compared to normal controls using Cirrus. Outer retinal findings of macula-off patients were seen in four eyes (14.8 %). Visual acuity (VA) significantly improved in both groups independent of preoperative VA or duration of symptoms. Agreement between both OCTs was excellent for overall and inner retinal thickness, although RTVue measured a thicker RNFL-GCL-IPL complex. Thinning of inner retinal layers as a potential cause of poor VA was rarely detected, possibly due to tractional changes at the vitreomacular interface. VA improved even in patients with macula-involving RRD.