Primary Retinal Detachment Research Articles

Ophthalmic Patient Data Registries: Defining and Improving Quality and Outcomes

Two articles in this issue of Ophthalmology (see articles on pages 637 and 643) highlight the importance of registries and the wealth of data that they can provide. In the first, Jackson et al1 used the United Kingdom National Ophthalmology Database to study real-life surgeon procedure choices, complication rates, and reoperation rates for primary retinal detachment repair and suggest that this information may assist vitreoretinal surgeons in benchmarking their own rates. In the second article, Bertelsen et al2 from Denmark cross-referenced multiple Danish national registries to perform a registry-based case-control study assessing mortality and comorbidities in patients with and without central retinal vein occlusion.

Air as Tamponade for Retinal Detachments

To determine whether air can be used as a reliable tamponade agent after pars plana vitrectomy in selected primary retinal detachment (RD). Twelve eyes with fresh RD were included. Exclusion criteria were presence of fibrosis, fixed folds, proliferative vitreoretinopathy of grade C or greater, and giant retinal tears. The number, location, and types of breaks, extension of RD, and whether the macula was attached were documented. A 25-gauge 3-port pars plana vitrectomy was carried out. Central and peripheral vitreous was removed to eliminate traction and relieve tractional forces provoked by the air bubble injected at the end. Argon endolaser or cryotherapy was applied around all breaks. Filtered air was used as an internal tamponade. Patients were followed up at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Air bubble took 10.7 days (range 7-15 days) to resolve. Visual acuity (VA) improved from 1.35 ± 1.21 logMAR preoperatively to 0.20 ± 0.25 after a follow-up time of 12 months. We achieved a primary postoperative success rate of 100% at 1 month and 91.6% at 12 months. We achieved a good success rate with air tamponade and limited laser. This approach allows for quicker VA recovery associated with a rapid disappearance of air. This may benefit patients who live at higher altitudes.

Alteration of Vitreal Retinoschisin Level in Human Primary Retinal Detachment

Alteration of Vitreal Retinoschisin Level in Human Primary Retinal Detachment

Outcomes and Complications of Pneumatic Retinopexy Over a 12-Year Period

To evaluate anatomic and clinical outcomes of pneumatic retinopexy for treatment of primary retinal detachment. Noncomparative, single-center, consecutive, interventional case series evaluating all patients treated between 2000 and 2012. Patients with less than 1 month of follow-up or coexisting neovascular age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, endophthalmitis, or prior posterior segment surgery were excluded. Sixty-three eyes of 63 patients with primary retinal detachment treated with pneumatic retinopexy were included. Median follow-up was 10.3 months. Single-operation success (SOS), defined as anatomic reattachment with pneumatic retinopexy alone, occurred in 40 eyes (63%). The retina was successfully reattached in 21 of the other 23 eyes (91%) with one additional surgery. There was no difference in visual acuity outcomes between SOS and additional surgical intervention (P = .85). New or missed breaks were identified in 19 of 63 eyes (30%). Postoperative subretinal fluid was observed in 22 of 63 eyes (35%) and persisted at last follow-up in two of 63 eyes (3%). At final follow-up, the retina was fully attached in 97% of eyes. Pneumatic retinopexy remains a reasonably successful option in the management of primary retinal detachment. No difference in best corrected visual acuity outcomes in eyes achieving SOS versus those requiring additional surgery was demonstrated.

Vitrectomy surgery for primary retinal detachment.

Small-gauge pars plana vitrectomy has emerged as one of the leading approaches to the management of primary retinal detachment in recent years. Developments in technology and instrumentation have improved this procedure and given surgeons a wide variety of tools to tackle this pathology. In this chapter, the techniques utilized in the management of primary retinal detachments are discussed.

Retrospective Comparison of 25- and 23-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery and 20-Gauge Vitrectomy for the Repair of Macular Hole Retinal Detachment.

To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of 25- and 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G and 23G MIVS) instrumentation with the standard 20G pars plana vitrectomy (20G PPV) system in the treatment of primary macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD). A retrospective comparative study. Forty-six eyes of 45 patients with MHRD underwent pars plana vitrectomy from March 1, 2006 to April 31, 2011. Fourteen, 13, and 19 eyes underwent 20G PPV, 23G MIVS, and 25G MIVS, respectively. The analysis included characteristics of the patients, single operation reattachment rate, final reattachment rate, closure rate of the macular hole, and rate of complications. The median follow-up period was 273 days. Preoperative characteristics were similar in the 3 groups. The single operation success rate was 11 (79%) of 14 for 20G PPV, 10 (77%) of 13 for 23G MIVS, and 14 (74%) of 19 for 25G MIVS (P = 0.95). The closure rate of the macular hole was 9 (64%) of 14 for 20G PPV, 9 (69%) of 13 for 23G MIVS, and 11 (58%) of 19 for 25G MIVS (P = 0.78). One hundred percent of patients achieved final reattachment after multiple surgeries, excluding 2 patients who dropped out during the follow-up period. Rates of visual recovery and complications, including hypotony, were similar for all 3 procedures. The outcomes of 25G and 23G MIVS for the management of MHRD did not differ significantly from 20G PPV. Microincision vitrectomy surgery may be considered an alternative treatment, even for MHRD.

Macular buckling for previously untreated and recurrent retinal detachment due to high myopic macular hole: a 12-month comparative study

To evaluate postoperative outcomes after macular buckling together with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in previously untreated and recurrent retinal detachment secondary to macular hole (MH) in highly myopic eyes. In a retrospective cohort study, 42 eyes of 42 high myopic patients with retinal detachment due to MH were evaluated. Patients were divided into previously untreated retinal detachment (group 1, 21 eyes) and recurrent retinal detachment (group 2, 21 eyes). Macular buckling and PPV were performed in all patients. Main outcomes included retinal reattachment rate, macular hole closure rate and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed both pre- and postoperatively in all patients to assess the anatomical status of the macula. Primary retinal reattachment rate in group 1 was 95% (20/21), which increased to 100% (21/21) after a second surgery. MH closure was achieved in 81% of patients (17/21) after one surgery. The mean preoperative BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, LogMAR) improved from 1.32 (95% CI 1.19;1.44) to 0.76 (95% CI 0.56;0.96) 12 months postoperatively. In all except one case, gas tamponade was preferred. Primary reattachment and MH closure rate in group 2 were 90.5% (19/21) and 57% (12/21) respectively, and did not improve after a second surgery. Preoperative BCVA (LogMAR) was 1.39 (95% CI 1.29;1.49) and improved to 0.95 (95% CI 0.75;1.15) at 12 months. Silicone oil tamponade was used in seven of 21 patients, and finally was removed in five of them. Macular buckling combined with PPV should be considered a preferred surgical approach both in primary and recurrent retinal detachment secondary to MH in high myopic eyes. Nevertheless, visual outcomes seem to be better when macular buckling is chosen as first-line treatment.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Retinal Detachment

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Retinal Detachment

ANALYSIS OF THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGIC MILIEU OF THE VITREOUS IN PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY

Previous investigations have explored molecular differences between proliferative vitreoretinopathy and primary retinal detachment. An exploration of a greater number of molecules might provide novel insight into the biology of this disorder and identify potential therapeutic targets. Vitreous specimens were obtained from patients with epiretinal membranes or macular puckers (n = 15), patients with a primary retinal detachment without proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n = 15), and patients with retinal detachments and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n = 15). A multiplex assay was performed to calculate the concentrations of 48 different cytokines and chemokines, and statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between the groups. Of the 48 molecules that were studied, we identified 10 that were statistically significantly different in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, including interleukins 4, 5, 6, and 15; granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors; stem cell factor; stem cell growth factor; macrophage inflammatory protein 1α; and interferon γ-induced protein 10. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy represents a highly ordered molecular process that involves discrete changes in the concentrations of specific cytokines and chemokines. These molecules may represent novel therapeutic targets.

Appreciable hotspots and problems of research for ocular fundus diseases: treatment and visual recovery after surgery of primary retinal detachment

Retinal break is the cause of primary retinal detachment,which remains a main cause for visual loss,and closure of the breaks is the principle of treatment.Currently surgical treatment can successfully reattach the retina in most cases.However,some basic questions still beset treatment of the disease,such as the cause responsible for development of retinal breaks and how to prevent it,and how the visual recovery can be satisfactory after reattachment surgery.Recent research indicates that the development of retinal breaks is associated with the process of vitreous liquefaction,posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and abnormal vitreoretinal adhesion and traction.The retinal breaks can occur in the posterior margin of the vitreous base in the eye with complete PVD.Partial PVD may cause posterior breaks especially in cases of myopic traction maculopathy associated with schisis-like thickening in the outer retina (foveoschisis) and vitreomacular traction.It is known that microstructural changes and atrophy of the macula,and epiretinal membrane formation are the reasons for poor vision after the retina is reattached.Therefore,more attention should be paid to further understand the vitreous pathology and traction mechanism,to research for methods of its clinical evaluation and strategy of prevention and treatment,and to accelerate visual recovery after reattachment surgery,in order to raise the standard of the disease treatment. Key words: Retinal detachment/surgery; Retinal perforations/surgery; Vitrectomy; Editorial

Profibrotic cytokines in aqueous humour correlate with aqueous flare in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

BackgroundAqueous flare as determined by laser flare photometry in the anterior chamber is a strong preoperative predictor for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in patients with primary retinal detachment (RD). We analysed...

Repair of Primary Noncomplex Rhegmatagenous Retinal Detachment

With the development of pars plana vitrectomy in the 1970s and pneumatic retinopexy in the 1980s, the primacy of scleral buckling for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) came under challenge. While a degree of consensus exists for certain forms of complex RRD, there remains little agreement concerning the optimal treatment of primary noncomplex RRD. This debate is further muddied by application of adjuvant procedures to supplement the primary surgical approach. This article aims to present the current evidence regarding repair of primary noncomplex RRD. A brief summary of primary surgical approaches—pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, and pars plana vitrectomy—will be presented along with a short discussion on potential adjuvant procedures. The remainder of the article focuses on reported outcomes for the different treatment modalities for primary noncomplex RRD.

The p53 Codon 72 Polymorphism (rs1042522) Is Associated with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: The Retina 4 Project

To compare the distribution of a p53 gene polymorphism among European subjects undergoing primary retinal detachment (RD) surgery in relation to the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Case-controlled gene association study conducted as a component of the Retina 4 Project (a European multicenter study). Five hundred fifty DNA samples, 134 with PVR secondary to primary RD and 416 with RD without PVR. The p53 codon 72 polymorphism (rs1042522) was analyzed using allele-specific primer polymerase chain reaction. Proportions of genotypes and the proline (Pro-P) homozygote groups between subsamples from different countries were analyzed in 2 phases. In the first, subsamples from Spain and Portugal were analyzed. After significant results were found, samples from the United Kingdom (UK) and The Netherlands were analyzed (second phase). Genotypic and allelic frequencies were compared between cases and controls in the global sample. Single significant associations with PVR. A significant difference (P<0.05, Fisher exact test) was observed regarding the p53 genotype frequencies at codon 72 between the PVR cases and the non-PVR controls in Spain and Portugal (phase I), but not in the UK or The Netherlands (phase II). Analysis of Pro homozygote carriers between cases and controls revealed differences in Spain (29.01-42.18 and 2.29-10.20, respectively), Portugal (10.49-29.50 and 1.35-8.89, respectively), and The Netherlands (16.49-31.70 and 4.51-15.09, respectively), but no differences in the UK (7.68-18.1 and 4.85-13.94, respectively). The odds ratio of Pro carriers from Spain and Portugal together was 8.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.72-17.69; P<0.05), whereas the odds ratio of Pro carriers from the UK and The Netherlands was 2.12 (95% CI, 0.96-4.68; P = 0.07). All control samples were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Considering the entire sample, significant differences were found in genotype frequencies between cases (RR, 30.59%; RP, 43.28%; PP, 26.11% [R = Arg; P = Pro]) and controls (RR, 39.66%; RP, 52.64%; PP, 7.69%) and in Pro homozygote carriers between controls (Pro homozygote 95% CI, 18.67-33.52) and cases (Pro homozygote 95% CI, 5.1-10.2). Results indicate that the Pro variant of p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with a higher risk of PVR developing after a primary RD. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of this polymorphism in the development of PVR.

REMOVAL OF SILICONE OIL

To evaluate the incidence of retinal redetachment after the removal of silicone oil endotamponade for complicated retinal detachment and identify possible factors affecting outcome. This is a retrospective review of 173 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for complex retinal detachment and subsequent removal of silicone oil (ROSO). The outcome factors studied included anatomical success, best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure pre- and post-ROSO. Anatomical success was achieved in 167 of the 173 eyes (96.5%) after ROSO. The mean duration of silicone oil tamponade was 70 ± 48 weeks (median, 56 weeks; mode, 48 weeks). The cause for primary retinal detachment was proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 36 (20.8%) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 137 of 173 cases (79.2%). Best-corrected visual acuity of greater than 20/100 was achieved in 83 cases (49.4%) at 3 months after ROSO. Levene's test for equality of variances was used to determine the association between previous unsuccessful retinal surgeries and redetachment (P = 0.523) and between duration of endotamponade and anatomical success (P = 0.451). The incidence of retinal redetachment after ROSO in our study was 3.46%. Aggressive removal of the vitreous base, performing retinotomies, ensuring complete silicone oil filling for adequate tamponade, and argon retinopexy can lead to low complication rates and improved outcomes.

Non-buckled vitrectomy for retinal detachment with inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy.

To investigate the efficacy of non-buckled vitrectomy with classical endotamponade agents in the treatment of primary retinal detachment (RD) complicated by inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy (PVR). A retrospective, consecutive and case series study of 40 patients with inferior break RD and PVR ≥C1 was conducted. All patients underwent a standard 3-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas or silicone oil tamponade without supplementary scleral buckling. The vitreous and all proliferative membrane were completely removed, and retinectomy was performed when necessary. The mean follow-up was 12.5 months. The primary and final anatomic success rate, visual acuity and complications were recorded and analyzed. Primary anatomic success rate was achieved in 35 of 40 eyes (87.5%) and the final anatomic success rate was 100%. The most common cause of redetachment was recurrent PVR. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up was improved in 34 eyes (85%), remained stable in 1 eye (2.5%), and worsened in 5 eyes (12.5%). The mean visual acuity at final follow-up was improved significantly (P=0.000). This retrospective study provides evidence that vitrectomy without scleral buckling seemed to be an effective treatment for inferior break RD with PVR. With complete removal of vitreous and proliferative membranes and timing of retinectomy, the inferior breaks which complicated with PVR could be closed successfully without additional scleral buckling.

Temporal occurrence of retinal detachments after cataract surgery

To characterize the temporal occurrence of retinal detachments (RD) after cataract surgery. In this retrospective, consecutive case series, we reviewed the charts of 798 pseudophakic patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD that underwent surgery between 1999 and 2009, at the Center of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Germany. Twenty-five percent of all pseudophakic RDs occurred within 1 year after cataract surgery, 50% within 3.2 years and 90% within 9.9 years. Risk was increased for at least 11 years. The time interval was significantly shorter in vitrectomized eyes (2.49 versus 4.31 years, p = 0.016). Women showed a statistical trend towards longer time intervals (4.72 versus 3.93 years, p = 0.052), whereas myopic patients and different age groups showed no significant difference. After cataract surgery, the risk for RD was highest in the beginning and decreased continuously over time. However, the risk was increased for at least 11 years. Therefore, most studies have underestimated the incidence of RD after cataract surgery.

Surgical outcome and risk stratification for primary retinal detachment repair: results from the Scottish Retinal Detachment study

ObjectivesTo report the early surgical outcome, risk of failure and predictive value of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) classification based on all participants in the Scottish Retinal Detachment study.MethodsOver 2 years,...

The Clinical Features of Macular Pucker Formation after Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair

PurposeTo investigate the incidence and predisposing factors of macular pucker formation after pars plana vitrectomy in patients who developed primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 284 eyes in 284 patients who underwent primary retinal detachment repair by pars plana vitrectomy alone between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Patients with a history of retinal surgery or another visually significant ocular problem were excluded.ResultsPostoperatively, of the 264 eyes that completed at least six months of follow-up, 16 (6.1%) eyes developed obvious macular pucker at clinical examination. Of these 16 eyes, ten (70.0%) underwent repeat vitrectomy with membrane peeling for macular pucker removal during the follow-up period. The mean time from primary vitrectomy for the retinal reattachment to the secondary vitrectomy with membrane peeling for macular pucker was 7.9 months. The mean improvement in vision after membrane peeling surgery was 0.37 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). Using an independent t-test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U-test, we found that the number or size of retinal break and vitreous hemorrhage could be significant risk factors of macular pucker.ConclusionsIn our study, 6.1% of eyes which underwent pars plana vitrectomy alone for primary retinal detachment developed a postoperative macular epiretinal membrane. Multiple or large retinal breaks and postoperative vitreous hemorrhage were related to macular pucker formation. Overall, the 70.0% of eyes which underwent secondary vitrectomy with membrane peeling for removal of macular pucker showed a favorable visual outcome.

Postoperative choroidal hemorrhage shows elevated concentration of tissue plasminogen activator.

The purpose of this study was to report the levels of tissue plasminogen activator in liquefied suprachoroidal hemorrhage. An interventional case report of a 61-year-old woman who underwent drainage sclerotomy for choroidal hemorrhage. A 61-year-old pseudophakic woman underwent pars plana vitrectomy and fluid-gas exchange for retinal detachment in her right eye and developed postoperative serous choroidal detachments with large hemorrhages. Drainage sclerotomy was performed 18 days after the initial development of suprachoroidal hemorrhage. Sample of the liquefied hemorrhage and serum sample collected during sclerotomy were tested for tissue plasminogen activator levels using the antibody tissue plasminogen activator-enzyme immunoassay test. Hemorrhage tissue plasminogen activator levels were three times the levels present in the serum. Tissue plasminogen activator may be involved in the process of suprachoroidal hemorrhage liquefaction.

PRIMARY RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR

To compare functional and anatomical outcomes of modern methods of repair of primary retinal detachment. Retrospective interventional comparative case series. A total of 1,226 patients with primary retinal detachment were included in the study. All patients completed 1-year follow-up and were divided into 4 groups: 322 patients underwent scleral buckling surgery, 442 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery, 316 patients underwent a combination of scleral buckling and vitrectomy surgery, and 56 patients underwent pneumatic retinopexy surgery for the primary repair of retinal detachment. Reattachment success rates, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, complications, and change in refractive error were reviewed. Initial success rate for retinal reattachment was 86% for scleral buckling only, 90% for vitrectomy only, 94% for the combination of scleral buckling and vitrectomy, and 63% for pneumatic retinopexy surgery. Although patients undergoing pneumatic retinopexy had a lower initial success rate, there was no statistically significant difference in initial reattachment rates between the other three groups. There was no statistically significant difference in final visual acuity between the four groups. Complication rates varied among the techniques used. Postoperative visual acuity at 1 year did not differ among the various techniques used to repair primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. However, scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or a combination of both resulted in an initially better anatomical success rate and fewer operative procedures than pneumatic retinopexy.