VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND MACULAR VASCULAR REMODELING SECONDARY TO RETROGRADE MACULOPATHY IN RETINAL DETACHMENT TREATED WITH SILICON OIL TAMPONADE.

Abstract

To assess the frequency of macular cysts (MCs) in retinal detachment treated with silicone oil and evaluate their impact on visual acuity and macular vascularization using optical coherence tomography-angiography. Forty-three eyes of 41 patients treated with silicone oil for retinal detachment were retrospectively studied. Best-corrected visual acuity and 6- × 6-mm optical coherence tomography-angiography examination at least 3 months after silicone oil removal were reviewed. In eyes with MCs, cyst area was measured on the en face optical coherence tomography-angiography image using ImageJ. Density of superficial capillary plexus and area of superficial foveal avascular zone were generated by the optical coherence tomography-angiography. Density of deep capillary plexus and deep foveal avascular zone area were measured using ImageJ. Twenty-five eyes (58%) presented with MCs. Cysts were exclusively located in the inner nuclear layer in 60% of cases. Mean best-corrected visual acuity in the MC group was lower than that of the non-MC group (P = 0.012). Macular cyst area negatively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.0201). Density of superficial capillary plexus was higher in the MC group (P < 0.0001), whereas area of superficial foveal avascular zone was lower (P < 0.0001). Macular cyst area negatively correlated with density of deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001). The incidence of INL-MCs after silicone oil removal is high. These are associated with impaired vision and macular vascular remodeling. We highlight their similarity with the "retrograde maculopathy" phenomenon.