Visual and anatomical outcome of early Densiron-68 removal in primary retinal detachment

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early Densiron removal regarding the anatomical and visual outcome, as well as the occurrence of Densiron-related complications. Design A prospective interventional noncomparative case series study was done at the Ophthalmology Unit, Zagazig University Hospital. Patients and methods Fifteen Densiron-filled eyes (15 patients) were included in this study. All patients had previous pars plana vitrectomy with Densiron oil injection for treatment of retinal detachment (RD) owing to inferior breaks with or without associated proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Densiron removal was done after 2–2.5 months from the time of the initial surgery. Active suction by the vitrectomy machine was used for Densiron removal under direct illumination and visualization by using long 18-G silicone cannula. Postoperative follow-up was done at first day; first, second, and third week; and first, second, third, and fourth month after Densiron oil removal. Retinal attachment, visual acuity (VA), and various complications were recorded. Results Two eyes had RD before Densiron removal. Another eye developed RD after Densiron removal. Therefore, 12 of 13 eyes remained attached after Densiron removal (92%). The final mean best-corrected VA improved from 1.39±0.59 minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) before Densiron removal to 1.114±0.55 logMAR at the fourth month after Densiron removal; this improvement in VA was statistically significant (P=0.0046). The most frequent recorded complications were cataract which occurred in six of 13 (46%) phakic eyes and emulsification in three of 15 (20%) eyes. Conclusion Regarding anatomical and visual outcomes, it could be safe to remove Densiron-68 after 8–10 weeks from the initial surgery, which consequently decreases the chances of Densiron complications.