Potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of retinal detachment: Artificial interphotoreceptor matrix

Abstract

Retinal detachment (RD) is a common ophthalmic emergency that presents as a separation and gap between the retinal neuroepithelium and the pigment epithelium that supplies the retina. Treatment for RD is primarily focused on surgically reattaching the retina as soon as possible. Nevertheless, the recovery of visual function in patients undergoing surgical retina reattachment of the retina is insufficient. Previous studies' findings revealed that photoreceptor cell death was not sufficiently prevented by surgically reattaching the retina. Besides, intervention with the retinal microenvironment has been proposed as a ground-breaking opinion in the treatment of RD to further preserve the patient's visual function. Further, traditional vitrectomy invariably replaces the interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) in its original physiological form with leftover fluid in the possible interstitial space of the subretinal cavity. As a result, the leftover fluid might cause oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions that can hinder the functional recovery and nutrition delivery of retinal photoreceptor cells. In this context, the present hypotheses pioneered an artificial interphotoreceptor matrix (AIPM) as a secure and economical solution. In this article, we explain how surgical procedures and gas–liquid exchange will temporarily replace the natural IPM with AIPM in the subretinal cavity. Also, a cocktail of medications to suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions as well as prevent apoptosis will be present in the AIPM. Under comprehensive consideration, we summarized the evidence that is currently available in the field, including several studies that showed potentially useful medications in RD examinations. We evaluated the experimental and anticipated outcomes to construct an AIPM and validate it. In conclusion, we offer an evaluation, viewpoint, and discussion of the substantial significance of AIPM as well as potential clinical applications.