Recurrent Detachment Research Articles

Choroidal Detachment Following the Use of Tamsulosin (Flomax)

To report choroidal detachment following tamsulosin (Flomax, an alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonist) treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Case report. Chart review, serial examination. A 65-year-old man underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction and placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The patient subsequently developed three separate episodes of choroidal detachments in the operated eye. Each episode was preceded by treatment with an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist. Tamsulosin may cause adverse ocular effects including recurrent choroidal detachments. alpha(1A) is the dominant alpha-adrenoceptor in the rabbit choroid, and the mechanism for choroidal detachment in this patient could include some effect of antagonists like tamsulosin on these receptors.

Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is usually a benign disorder which resolves spontaneously, and requires no treatment. Nevertheless, in cases of chronic or recurrent detachment of the neurosensory retina a durable decrease of the visual acuity may be measured due to lesion of the photoreceptors. To avoid this evolution we performed a pilot study to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with CSC without clinical normalization 6 months after the begin of the symptoms. We report on 14 eyes in 13 patients presenting a chronic CSC without leaking point accessible for focal laser photocoagulation. The diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescein angiography (FA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). PDT with verteporfin was performed according to the protocol used for treating choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. One month after PDT, leakage on FA and detachment of the neurosensory retina on OCT had disappeared, and visual acuity had improved in all patients. The mechanism of action of PDT in chronic CSC is still hypothetical. PDT should decrease the passage of fluid towards the retina by affecting the choroidal blood flow, and allow a better resorption of the subretinal fluid. PDT could be an alternative to treat patients with chronic CSC.

Viagra-associated serous macular detachment

To describe the OCT findings in two cases of idiopathic serous macular detachments associated with Sildenafil (Viagra) use. Two patients were identified with idiopathic serous macular detachments associated with Viagra use. Each patient underwent rigorous historical questioning to rule out known causes of serous macular detachments and to determine contributing factors. A comprehensive ocular examination was performed including dilated biomicroscopic examination of the macula and indirect ophthalmoscopic evaluation of the retinal periphery. Additional evaluation included color fundus photography with FA and ICG, OCT analysis of the macula and B-scan ultrasonography. Systemic workup included MRI of the brain and orbits, CT of the brain, orbits, chest and abdomen, blood chemistries and electrophoresis, lumbar puncture with CSF analysis and chest radiographs. Both patients demonstrated idiopathic serous macular detachment associated with peri-macular vitelliform deposits. Although notable peripapillary atrophy and RPE mottling were present, there was no evidence of heme, exudate, or fibrosis to suggest a CNVM. FA showed no focal areas of leakage. Early and late frames of the ICG demonstrated engorged choroidal vessels without frank leakage. Extensive medical evaluation failed to reveal a systemic etiology. OCT findings demonstrated large serous macular detachments that corresponded to the use or discontinuation of Viagra. Discontinuation of Viagra coincided with complete resolution of the serous macular detachment in one patient and improvement of the serous macular detachment in the other. When one patient resumed Viagra use, he experienced a recurrent serous macular detachment. We report the OCT findings of two cases of idiopathic serous macular detachment associated with use of the potent vasodilator Sildenafil (Viagra).

Vasculopatia coroidiana polipóide idiopática: relato de cinco casos

A vasculopatia coroidiana polipóide idiopática é entidade recentemente descrita relacionada a descolamentos recorrentes sero-sanguinolentos do epitélio pigmentado da retina ou da retina neuro-sensorial. Decorre de alterações na vascularização coroidiana que levam à formação de canais vasculares ramificados em rede vascular que termina em lesões nodulares polipóides na região justapapilar temporal. Este estudo relata cinco casos cujas características clínicas são compatíveis com este distúrbio. A média das idades era 66 anos (51 a 79 anos), um paciente da raça negra, três (60%) do sexo masculino. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 13,4 meses (3 meses a 2 anos). As características epidemiológicas e clínicas são discutidas.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy was first described as a peculiar hemorrhagic disorder of the macula, characterized by recurrent sub-retinal and sub-retinal pigment epithelium bleeding in middle aged black women. The use of indocyanine green angiography and subsequently of optical coherent tomography has widened our ability to study and understand the pathophysiology of this disorder. The primary abnormality involves the choroidal circulation, and the characteristic lesion is an inner choroidal vascular network of vessels ending in an aneurysmal bulge or outward projection, visible clinically as a reddish orange, spheroid, polyp-like structure. We have also recognized that individuals of African-American and Asian descents are more at risk for developing polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy as the disorder seems to preferentially affect pigmented individuals. However, it has been shown that while that still holds true, patients of other racial backgrounds may be afflicted. Particularly, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy has been found to be present in about 8–13% of white patients with clinical appearance of exudative age-related macular degeneration. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy has also been reported in Irish, French, German, and Italian patients. The natural course of the disease often follows a remitting-relapsing course, and clinically, it is associated with chronic, multiple, recurrent serosanguineous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory retina with long-term preservation of good vision. Photodynamic treatment appears to be a promising alternative to conventional laser therapy, for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. In conclusion, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy seems to be a distinct clinical entity that should be differentiated from other types of choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration and other known choroidal degenerative, inflammatory, and ischemic disorders.

Retinal detachment in eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for removal of retained lens fragments

Purpose To investigate the incidence and outcomes of retinal detachment (RD) associated with retained lens fragments removed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Design Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional consecutive case series. Participants All patients who underwent PPV for retained lens material after cataract surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2001. Methods Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patients’ medical records. Main outcome measures Incidence of retinal detachment, reattachment rate, and visual acuity outcome. Results RD occurred in 44 of 343 (12.8%) patients, including 25 (7.3%) before or during PPV and 19 (5.5%) after PPV. The RD was macula-on in 22 of 44 (50%) patients and macula-off in 22 of 44 (50%) patients. The RD was associated with a giant retinal tear in 7 of 44 (15.9%) patients, limited suprachoroidal hemorrhage in 3 of 44 (6.8%) patients, and endophthalmitis in 4 of 44 (9.1%) patients. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 40 of 44 (90.9%) patients; 14 of 44 (31.8%) patients underwent one or more additional procedures for recurrent detachment. Final visual acuity in the patients in this series was ≥20/40 in 8 of 44 (18%), 20/50 to 20/100 in 13 of 44 (30%), 20/200 to 5/200 in 13 of 44 (30%), and <5/200 in 10 of 44 (23%). In the 36 patients with vision less than 20/40, the primary causes of decreased vision were attributed to prior history of RD in 8 of 36 (22.2%), corneal edema in 7 of 36 (19.4%), cystoid macular edema in 5 of 36 (13.9%), persistent retinal detachment in 4/36 (11.1%), preexisting primary open-angle glaucoma in 4 of 36 (11.1%), age-related macular degeneration in 3 of 36 (8.3%), epiretinal membrane in 2 of 36 (5.5%), macular hole in 1 of 36 (2.7%), optic atrophy in 1 of 36 (2.7%), and irregular astigmatism in 1 of 36 (2.7%) patients. Conclusions RD is a frequent complication in eyes undergoing PPV for removal of retained lens fragments. Despite favorable retinal reattachment rates, visual acuity outcomes are often poor in these eyes and are associated with other comorbidities such as corneal edema and cystoid macular edema. Poor initial visual acuity and the presence of a retinal tear at the time of PPV were associated with a higher rate of RD after PPV.

Photodynamic Therapy of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is an abnormality of the choroidal vasculature characterized by aneurysmal-like budding of the vessels with exudation and recurrent serosanguinous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium. Treatment is limited to laser photocoagulation of leaking vessels, which is used when vision is decreased, or exudate and hemorrhage threaten or involve the fovea. This article describes a patient with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy successfully treated with photodynamic therapy using verteporfin.

Outcomes and complications associated with giant retinal tear management using perfluoro-n-octane

Objective To report visual acuity and anatomic outcomes, as well as complications, associated with giant retinal tear management using intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane and to investigate clinical features associated with anatomic and visual acuity outcomes. Design A prospective, noncomparative, observational, multicenter study. Participants Two hundred twelve patients (212 eyes) ≥15 months of age who underwent giant retinal tear management with intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane at 24 study sites between April 1994 and February 1996. Giant retinal tear was defined as a retinal tear extending ≥90°. Intervention Vitrectomy with perfluoro-n-octane intraoperative retinal tamponade. Main outcome measures Visual acuity and rates of retinal reattachment, reoperation, retained perfluoro-n-octane, corneal edema, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP > 25 mmHg), hypotony (IOP < 5 mmHg), and cataract. All outcome measures were assessed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and at the last examination. Results The study included 212 eyes of 212 patients followed a median of 3.5 months. Visual acuity ≥20/200 was measured in 56 (27%) patients preoperatively and 67 (47%) patients at 6 months. Postoperative visual acuity improved in 107 (59%) eyes, remained stable in 44 (24%) eyes, and worsened in 29 (16%) eyes (percentages are based on the number of patients for whom the data were available at these time points). Of the 124 patients with visual acuity ≤5/200 preoperatively, 94 (76%) had improved visual acuity at 6 months postoperatively. At 6 months, the retina was attached in 108 (76%) eyes, and retained perfluoro-n-octane was noted in 8 (6%) eyes. Throughout follow-up, 64 (30%) eyes underwent reoperation for recurrent retinal detachment. At 6 months, corneal edema, elevated IOP, and hypotony were noted in 5 (4%), 4 (3%), and 12 (9%) eyes, respectively. Of the 72 phakic eyes without cataract preoperatively, 61 (85%) had a cataract or underwent cataract extraction during study follow-up. Factors significantly ( P < 0.05) associated with recurrent retinal detachment include female gender, younger age, preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy, prior vitrectomy, larger size of giant retinal tear, lack of scleral buckle placement, and relaxing retinotomy. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female gender, larger size of giant retinal tear, and prior vitrectomy were significantly associated with recurrent detachment. Factors significantly associated with vision ≥20/200 include male gender, no prior vitrectomy, better preoperative vision, and no need for relaxing retinotomy. After adjusting for recurrent detachment, factors significantly associated with vision ≥20/200 include no prior vitrectomy, better preoperative vision, and no need for relaxing retinotomy. Conclusions Retinal reattachment and preserved visual acuity were achieved in most eyes that underwent giant retinal tear management with intraoperative perfluoro-n-octane. Significant risk factors for recurrent retinal detachment include size of retinal tear, age, prior vitrectomy, and female gender. After adjusting for recurrent detachment, significant predictors of postoperative vision ≥20/200 include no prior vitrectomy, better preoperative vision, and no need for relaxing retinotomy.

Recurrent retinal detachment more than 1 year after reattachment

Purpose Little information exists regarding recurrent retinal detachment after 1 or more years of complete retinal reattachment. To better understand this uncommon problem, we evaluated late recurrent retinal detachments in relation to the contemporary classification of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Design Retrospective consecutive noncomparative case series. Participants Nine patients (10 eyes) with late recurrent retinal detachment after 1 or more years of complete reattachment. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and operative records of one surgeon over a 9-year period to identify late recurrent retinal detachments that occurred 1 or more years after complete retinal reattachment. The study group was derived from a total of 453 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair not associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, or penetrating ocular trauma. Main outcome measures Late recurrent retinal detachments after 1 or more years of complete retinal reattachment. Results The study group consisted of 10 eyes (2.2% of total) in nine patients. Redetachment occurred from 12 to 126 months (average, 46.8 months) after the initial detachment surgery. Late recurrent retinal detachments were associated with new retinal breaks (five eyes), reopening of old breaks (three eyes), or both (two eyes). In all, 13 open breaks were identified, nine of which were on or anterior to the scleral buckle. Eight eyes had grade C PVR, including four eyes with anterior PVR, three eyes with posterior PVR, and one eye with both anterior and posterior PVR. The retina was reattached after additional vitreoretinal surgery in eight eyes of seven patients; two patients (two eyes) declined reoperation. Visual acuity improved in seven of eight eyes after repair of the late recurrent retinal detachment. Postoperative follow-up after late recurrent detachment repair ranged from 69 to 140 months (average, 101.7 months, or 8.5 years). Conclusions Vitreous base traction seems to be an important factor in late recurrent retinal detachments occurring 1 or more years after complete retinal reattachment, and the associated PVR was probably a secondary phenomenon and not a causative factor in most cases. Reoperation for such late recurrent retinal detachments can successfully reattach the retina and improve visual acuity in most cases.

Clear lens extraction with intraocular lens implantation during retinal detachment repair in patients with autoimmune deficiency syndrome and cytomegalovirus retinitis

ObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of clear lens extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during repair of retinal detachment by vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. DesignRetrospective, noncomparative case series. ParticipantsTwelve eyes of 10 patients with AIDS, CMV retinitis, and retinal detachment. InterventionAll patients underwent phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL placement at the time of vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade for repair of retinal detachment. A targeted postoperative refractive error of −5.00 diopters (D) to −3.00 D was chosen in an attempt to counteract the hyperopic effect of silicone oil. Main outcome measuresThe following factors were evaluated: postoperative visual acuity, refractive error, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. ResultsMedian follow-up was 7 months (range, 1–46 months). For patients without macular necrosis, median best-corrected preoperative visual acuity was 20/75 (range, 20/20–20/800), and median best postoperative visual acuity was 20/50 (range, 20/20–20/400). Median final visual acuity was 20/140 (range, 20/25 to count fingers at 1 foot). The median postoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent) was −1.00 D (range, −4.00 D to +7.88 D). Reoperation was required in 3 of 12 eyes for recurrent macular detachment (1 with silicone oil underfill; 2 with proliferative vitreoretinopathy). The macula was attached in all eyes at last follow-up. Reattachment of the peripheral retina was achieved in 10 of 12 eyes. There were no anterior segment complications. ConclusionsClear lens extraction with IOL placement during repair of retinal detachment with silicone oil tamponade does not seem to increase complications and may improve long-term visual rehabilitation, improve retinitis management by allowing better posterior segment visualization throughout the postoperative course, and decrease overall cost and morbidity associated with cataract extraction as a second procedure.

Retinal redetachment after removal of intraocular silicone oil tamponade

AIMTo evaluate frequency and risk factors of retinal redetachment after removal of intraocular silicone oil tamponade.METHODSThe study included 225 patients who consecutively underwent intraocular silicone oil removal at a mean...

Melanoma-associated retinopathy and recurrent exudative retinal detachments in a patient with choroidal melanoma

PURPOSE: To report a patient who presented with photopsias, night blindness, exudative retinal detachments, and melanoma-associated retinopathy in her right eye 23 years after the left eye was enucleated for a choroidal melanoma. METHODS: Assessment of fundus findings, fluorescein angiograms, and electroretinograms. RESULTS: The patient had recurrent exudative detachments of the macula in her right eye and electroretinogram responses consistent with the diagnosis of melanoma-associated retinopathy. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was negative, but 13 months later, CT scanning revealed many masses in her liver. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of melanoma-associated retinopathy in a patient with a previous choroidal melanoma.

Visual outcome after silicone oil removal and recurrent retinal detachment repair.

Prospective analysis of the effect of removal of silicone oil (ROSO) in eyes with complicated retinal detachments and evaluation of the visual outcome following recurrent retinal detachment after silicone oil removal. We evaluated 62 consecutive cases of ROSO over a 12 month period. All eyes had previously undergone silicone oil placement for complicated retinal detachments. All eyes undergoing scheduled ROSO over the time period of the study were entered and were reviewed post-operatively. Sixty-two eyes were entered into the study. Twenty-one of 62 (34%) developed recurrent retinal detachment following ROSO; 18 of these 21 recurrent detachments were reattached with one additional procedure and only 5 required replacement of the silicone oil. Ten of these 21 eyes (48%) had improvement or stabilisation in final visual acuity compared with the presenting visual acuity. Overall, 39 eyes (63%) had improvement in vision following ROSO and 76% of all eyes had ambulatory visual acuity at the end of the follow-up period. Fourteen eyes required cataract extraction with ROSO to attain this final visual acuity. Overall, ROSO has a significant rate of recurrent retinal detachment, with a high reattachment rate with one additional procedure. Few of these eyes need the silicone oil replaced. Most eyes will retain ambulatory visual acuity even with multiple procedures in cases of complicated retinal detachments following ROSO even with recurrent retinal detachment.

Scleral Buckling for Stage 4 Retinopathy of Prematurity

Both vitrectomy and scleral buckling have been used to treat patients with stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The standard procedure of scleral buckling for treatment of stage 4 ROP is encircling scleral buckling. The effectiveness of segmental scleral buckling is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical results of patients with stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity treated with either encircling or segmental scleral buckling. We retrospectively analyzed the anatomic outcomes of 23 eyes (18 infants) with stage 4 A or B ROP treated with scleral buckling. Segmental buckling was used to treat 15 eyes with detachment limited to the temporal side of the retina, while 9 eyes with detachment involving both the nasal and temporal sides were treated with encircling scleral buckling. Macular reattachment during a mean follow-up period of 34 months (range: 2 weeks to 9 years) was accomplished in 11 (79%) of the 14 eyes treated with segmental scleral buckling and 4 (44%) of the 9 eyes that received encircling scleral buckling. There were no intraoperative complications recorded. None of the eyes that achieved macular reattachment developed recurrent macular detachment during the follow-up period. Scleral buckling appears to be effective for treatment of stage 4 ROP. In patients with temporal side retinal detachment only, segmental scleral buckling provides adequate treatment for stage 4 ROP.

Glaucoma in Sturge-Weber syndrome

Background: In glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), medical treatment often fails to control intraocular pressure, thus requiring surgical intervention that may result in serious complications. Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients with SWS were reviewed retrospectively at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital. An intraocular pressure less than 20 mm Hg, plus stable optic nerve cup-to-disc ratio and corneal diameter (or visual fields where appropriate), were parameters chosen to indicate that the glaucoma was being controlled. Results: Glaucoma was found in 15 of 18 patients (22 eyes). The mean follow-up time was 62 months (range, 12 to 148 months). Medical treatment alone was successful in 5 patients (7 eyes); the remainder required surgical intervention. The initial surgical procedures included cyclocryotherapy, YAG laser goniotomy, surgical goniotomy, and trabeculotomy or trabeculectomy. Eight eyes required subsequent surgery, 5 with Molteno or Ahmed implants. Early postoperative choroidal effusion and hemorrhage occurred in 4 eyes and resolved spontaneously. Hemorrhagic choroidal detachment with total retinal detachment developed in 2 patients 3 to 5 months after surgery. In 1 patient a recurrent serous choroidal detachment after suture lysis was associated with total optic atrophy. Conclusions: Glaucoma in SWS is common. Control of glaucoma was successfully achieved with medical treatment in 7 of 22 eyes of our 15 SWS-glaucoma patients, and we consider it the initial treatment of choice. Of the 15 eyes that required surgery, late postoperative complications resulted in loss of vision as a result of persistent postoperative hypotony in 3 eyes that underwent surgical procedures. (J AAPOS 1999;3:40-5)

Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy for peripheral retinal capillary hemangioma

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruthenium-106 brachytherapy of large peripheral retinal capillary hemangiomas. Design A retrospective case series. Participants In 25 eyes of 24 patients, peripheral capillary retinal hemangiomas were treated. Intervention Brachytherapy using 106-ruthenium/106-rhodium plaques was performed. Main outcome measures Eyes were reviewed for hemangioma regression after brachytherapy, occurrence of retinal detachment, requirement of additional vitreoretinal surgery, final visual outcome, and final retinal status. Results Preoperative mean visual acuity of all eyes treated was 20/60, mean hemangioma diameter was 3.8 mm, corresponding to approximately 2 disc diameters. In 14 eyes, the retina was attached before surgery, 8 eyes showed an exudative detachment, and 3 eyes showed a traction detachment. Fifteen patients had definite von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Twenty-three of 25 hemangiomas could be destroyed by single brachytherapy. In 16 eyes, a favorable outcome could be achieved. In nine eyes, outcome was unfavorable, characterized by a severe drop in visual acuity, a persisting exudative retinal detachment, or a recurrent traction detachment. In one eye requiring repeated brachytherapy, irradiation retinopathy occurred. Hemangiomas up to a size of approximately 5.0 mm without preoperative exudative detachment could be treated safely by brachytherapy, whereas a larger hemangioma size or a pre-existing exudative retinal detachment predisposed to an unfavorable outcome. Conclusion Solitary peripheral retinal hemangioma can be ablated effectively by ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. A favorable outcome can be expected if the hemangioma diameter is 5.0 mm or smaller and if there is no preoperative exudative retinal detachment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System; Part 6. The Shoulder

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with shoulder pain has increased remarkably in recent years, largely because of improved resolution of images and increased experience of musculoskeletal radiologists. In rotator cuff disease/impingement and instability, magnetic resonance imaging adds a new dimension to the clinical findings through the noninvasive visualization of either the pathology itself or frequently associated abnormalities. It is the associated abnormalities that are depicted in instability: glenoid irregularities, labral tears, capsular laxity, and Hill-Sachs deformities. Glenoid, labral, and Hill-Sachs abnormalities can be assessed with either magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography arthrography. Magnetic resonance imaging has the advantages of noninvasiveness, multiplanar imaging capability and exquisite soft tissue contrast. In rotator cuff disease, magnetic resonance imaging depicts the status of the rotator cuff itself, revealing partial and full thickness tears, allowing an estimation of size and quality of tendon edges. Possible impingement sites can be identified. Primary instability with secondary impingement may be first suspected on magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative complications, including recurrent tendon detachment, deltoid dehiscence, and infection, are clarified. Unsuspected but clinically important lesions, such as neoplasm, osteonecrosis, and ganglion with entrapment of the suprascapular nerve, each have characteristic magnetic resonance imaging appearances.

Recurrent Choroidal Detachment Following Combined Trabeculectomy and Cataract Extraction

Two patients with glaucoma who underwent uneventful trabeculectomy and extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, experienced late and recurrent choroidal detachment. Both patients received aqueous suppressant therapy before and after surgery. Hypotony and choroidal detachment occurred 7 months and 15 months after the combined surgery. There was no shallowing of the anterior chamber or leakage from the filtering blebs, and there were no signs of inflammation. The choroidal detachment completely resolved in the two patients 4 days and 4 weeks following discontinuation of the aqueous suppressant therapy.

Intraocular surgery for secondary retinal detachment in proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is defined as the growth and contraction of cellular membranes within the vitreous cavity and on both surfaces of the retina following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This process is extremely important as these membranes exert traction and may cause recurrent detachment by reopening otherwise successfully treated retinal breaks or create new retinal breaks. We present the results of a small retrospectively series of 63 cases operated in the University of Geneva Eye Clinic, between 1990 and 1993. Surgical procedure, anatomical results, visual acuity have been reviewed. Surgical technique, number of surgical procedures, anatomical result and final visual acuity, have been reviewed in each case. Subjects have been divided into two groups depending on the degree of PVR (stage B or C). All patients have been operated combining extra- and intraocular microsurgical technique (scleral buckling, extended vitrectomy, perfluorodecaline, peroperative tamponade, endolaser photocoagulation, retinectomy and gaz or silicone oil tamponade). In the group presenting a stage-B PVR, the retina was reattached in 79% of cases, but only in 47% of the stage-C cases after one surgical procedure. The functional results showed only 31% of cases with a visual acuity superior to 0.4 in the stage-B group and 28% in the stage-C one. In all the stage-B cases that needed further surgical procedure, the retina could be definitely reattached, but in 9% cases of the stage-C group the retina remained detached and in 18% of the same group permanent silicone oil tamponade was necessary to maintain the retina reattached. Significant evolution has been observed in microsurgical endoocular surgery in the last ten years, allowing a significant improvement in the anatomical results. Stage-B PVR could be efficiently treated by one surgical procedure in more than 2/3 of cases strongly suggesting the use of endoocular microsurgery as a first intention procedure for retinal detachment complicated by stage-B PVR. An initial stage-C PVR is associated with a poorer anatomical and functional result because of an increased risk of recurrent PVR.

Indications and Results of Relaxing Retinotomy

The authors report their results of a consecutive series of 40 eyes undergoing relaxing retinotomy during vitrectomy to achieve retinal reattachment for the following indications: proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), 21 eyes (52%); trauma, 10 eyes (25%); diabetic retinopathy, 6 eyes (15%); and expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, 3 eyes (8%). Thirty eyes (75%) had undergone previous vitreoretinal procedures. Extended tamponade was achieved in all cases with either silicone oil (27 eyes, 68%) or long-acting gas (13 eyes, 32%). Retinotomy size ranged from 45° to 360°. Intraoperative retinal attachment was possible in all eyes with 33 (83%) achieving total or subtotal retinal attachment including the macula for 5 months or more. Twenty-seven eyes (68%) achieved 3/200 visual acuity or better and 10 (37%) achieved 20/400 or better. Thirteen eyes (32%) failed to achieve 3/200 visual acuity secondary to recurrent detachment (18%), corneal decompensation (8%), macular dysfunction (5%), and glaucoma (3%).