Vitrectomy For Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Research Articles

OCT biomarkers in predicting postoperative visual acuity after primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

OCT biomarkers in predicting postoperative visual acuity after primary vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Macular changes after primary retinectomy for retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Primary retinectomy in eyes not previously vitrectomized has been previously rarely performed in a minority of cases, unlike non-primary retinectomies in vitrectomized eyes. Background This paper aims to determine anatomical and functional outcomes of primary retinectomy, and to assess structural macular changes among successful cases. Methods In this retrospective multicentre cohort-study, 35 primary retinectomies in eyes undergoing initial vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy C or D between 2014 and 2021 were included. The mean follow-up duration was 48 ± 59.24 months among successes and 46.54 ± 20.99 months among unsuccesses (p = 0.483). Results The anatomical success rate was 48.5% after one retinectomy and 60% after two retinectomies. Mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.85 ± 0.62 logMAR (6/425 Snellen equivalent). The difference from mean preoperative BCVA was not significant (p = 0.312). Final BCVA ≥ 6/60 was achieved in 17% of cases, and no cases gained ≥6/24. Final mean postoperative BCVA of successes was 1.69 ± 0.60 logMAR (6/294 Snellen equivalent) compared with 2.10 ± 0.57 logMAR (6/756 Snellen equivalent) of unsuccessful cases (p = 0.101). Post-operative macular optical coherence tomography was obtained from 95% of successes. Normal macular profile was found in 10% of cases, and the other cases demonstrated exudative maculopathy (60%), tractional maculopathy (20%) and macular atrophy (10%). Final BCVA was significantly higher in eyes with normal macular status compared to eyes with exudative maculopathy (p = 0.045) and macular atrophy (p = 0.025). Conclusion Primary retinectomy may be used for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Anatomical and functional outcome were inferior than non-primary retinectomies for grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Functional outcome was influenced by macular status. Positive prognostic factors include final anatomical success and normal final macular anatomy.

The Effect of Scleral Buckle Surgery on Tonographic Outflow Facility, Positional Intraocular Pressure, and Ocular Biomechanics

To investigate the invivo effect of scleral buckle surgery on ocular biomechanics and aqueous humor dynamics. Prospective observational cross-sectional study. Nine patients with unilateral 360 degree encircling scleral buckles without vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, between 3 and 39 months postoperative. All measurements were performed in both eyes of all participants. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in the seated and supine positions using pneumatonometry. Outflow facility was measured using 2-minute weighted pneumatonography. Ocular rigidity coefficient was determined from the Friedenwald equations based on the difference in IOP with and without a weighted tonometer tip. The percentage change in IOP upon transitioning from seated to supine was calculated. Measurements for buckled and nonbuckled eyes were compared using paired Student t test of means. Sitting and supine IOP and percentage difference between the 2 positions; outflow facility; ocular rigidity coefficient. Seated IOP was similar between buckled and nonbuckled eyes (16.1 ± 2.5 vs. 16.7 ± 2.7 mmHg; P= 0.5) whereas supine IOP was lower in buckled eyes compared with nonbuckled eyes (18.7 ± 2.6 vs. 21.3 ± 2.5 mmHg; P= 0.008). The percentage increase in IOP upon change in body position from seated to supine was greater in nonbuckled eyes (17.4 ± 9.4% vs. 27.6 ± 9.5%; P= 0.005). Ocular rigidity coefficient was lower in buckled (9.9× 10-3 ± 1.4× 10-3 μL-1) vs. nonbuckled eyes (14.4× 10-3 ± 3.1× 10-3 μL-1; P= 0.006). Outflow facility was not significantly different in buckled and nonbuckled eyes. Scleral buckling decreases ocular rigidity but does not affect outflow facility. This change in ocular biomechanics likely results in the attenuated IOP change from seated to supine position. Decreased ocular rigidity may also reduce IOP fluctuations and potentially reduce the risk for glaucoma progression. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

STRAWBERRY RETINA: SILICONE OIL-RETINA INTERFACE ON MULTIMODAL IMAGING.

To report a new photographic macular feature identified on multimodal imaging in eyes with silicone oil in situ. Retrospective, observational case series of three eyes of three patients. Two eyes had undergone initial vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage with fibrovascular membranes causing tractional retinal detachments secondary to retinovascular occlusion. One eye had further vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. All three eyes had multiple, discrete, coarse, hyperreflective deposits at the silicone oil-retina interface on optical coherence tomography macular scans, with increased reflectivity from the inner retinal layers. On multicolor and infrared images, these preretinal deposits produced hyporeflective darker spots giving a quasi-pitting appearance of the retinal surface against glossy bright reflection from silicone oil, thus simulating an appearance of ‟a strawberry." These deposits are causing inverse pitting of the oil bubble. On blue autoflourescence imaging, the preretinal deposits caused hypoautoflourescence. Partial silicone oil emulsification was seen superiorly in two of these patients with a different clinical and optical coherence tomography appearance from these hyperreflective macular deposits. We describe a new distinctive ‟Strawberry Retina" appearance identified on multicolor and infrared macular images associated with hyperreflective, coarse deposits at the silicone oil-retina interface.

Four-port Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: The study investigated the results of direct surgical scleral depression using four ports and the chandelier lighting system in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.Methods: Anatomical and functional success rates and complications were analyzed in 179 eyes diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that underwent primary vitrectomy using four ports at our hospital between March 2012 and February 2022.Results: A total of 168 (93.9%) eyes had anatomical success without reoperation while 11 (6.1%) developed recurrence. However, the final success rate was 100%. The best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 1.03 ± 0.92 to logMAR 0.24 ± 0.39 after surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Complications included a temporary increase in the intraocular pressure (n = 3, 1.7%), leakage through the scleral incision (n = 2, 1.1%), hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage (n = 10, 5.6%), and iatrogenic retinal break (n = 1, 0.6%), but these improved after treatment.Conclusions: Four-port vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in which scleral depression is directly performed using the chandelier lighting system is a useful surgical method. It allows effective visualization of the peripheral retina regardless of the assistant’s proficiency which results in a more meticulous surgery. The anatomical and functional results of this technique were similar to the conventional technique.

Two-port dry vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a pilot study.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new surgical technique for the management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), consisting of localized PPV near the retinal break(s), without infusion line, associated with a drainage of subretinal fluid and cryoretinopexy. Multicentric prospective study conducted at the University Hospital of Cagliari and IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Roma. Twenty eyes affected by RRD with the causative retinal break(s) in the superior meridians were enrolled between February 2022 and June 2022. Patients with cataract ≥3, aphakia, significant posterior capsule opacification, giant retinal tears, retinal dialysis, history of trauma and PVR ≥C2 were excluded. All eyes underwent a two-port 25-gauge PPV with localized removal of the vitreous surrounding retinal break(s), followed by 20% SF6 injection and cryopexy. The surgical time was recorded for each procedure. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured at baseline and postoperative 6 months. Primary anatomic success at 6 months was achieved by 85% of patients. No complications occurred, except for three (15%) retinal re-detachments. The average surgical time was 8.61 ± 2.16 min. Overall, the difference between pre- and last postoperative mean BCVA was statistically significant (p = 0.02). Two-port dry PPV demonstrated safety and efficacy for the treatment of RRD, reaching an 85% of anatomical success rate. Although further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and long-term benefit of this treatment, we believe that this surgical technique could be considered a valid and safe alternative for the management of primary RRD.

Retinal Displacement after Scleral Buckle versus Combined Buckle and Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: ALIGN Scleral Buckle versus Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Scleral Buckle

To assess the risk of retinal displacement after scleral buckle (SB) versus pars plana vitrectomy with SB (PPV-SB). Multicenter prospective nonrandomized clinical trial. The study took place at VitreoRetinal Surgery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, India, and St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada from July 2019 to February 2022. Patients who underwent successful SB or PPV-SB for fovea-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with gradable postoperative fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging were included in the final analysis. Two masked graders assessed FAF images 3 months postoperatively. Metamorphopsia and aniseikonia were assessed with M-CHARTs and the New Aniseikonia Test, respectively. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with retinal displacement detected with retinal vessel printings on FAF in SB versus PPV-SB. Ninety-one eyes were included in this study, of which 46.2% (42 of 91) had SB and 53.8% (49 of 91) underwent PPV-SB. Three months postoperatively, 16.7% (7 of 42) in the SB group and 38.8% (19 of 49) in the PPV-SB group had evidence of retinal displacement (difference= 22.1%; odds ratio= 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-8.6; P= 0.02) on FAF. The statistical significance of this association increased after adjustment for extent of retinal detachment, baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, lens status, and sex in a multivariate regression analysis (P= 0.01). Retinal displacement was detected in 22.5% (6 of 27) of patients in the SB group with external subretinal fluid drainage and 6.7% (1 of 15) of patients without external drainage (difference= 15.8%; odds ratio= 4.0; 95% CI, 0.4-36.9; P= 0.19). Mean vertical metamorphopsia, horizontal metamorphopsia (MH), and aniseikonia were similar between patients in the SB and PPV-SB groups. There was a trend to worse MH in patients with retinal displacement versus those without retinal displacement (P= 0.067). Scleral buckle is associated with less retinal displacement compared with PPV-SB, indicating that traditional PPV techniques cause retinal displacement. There is a trend toward increased risk of retinal displacement in SB eyes that underwent external drainage compared with SB eyes without drainage, which is consistent with our understanding that the iatrogenic movement of subretinal fluid, such as that which occurs intraoperatively during external drainage with SB, may induce retinal stretch and displacement if the retina is then fixed in the stretched position. There was a trend to worse MH at 3 months in patients with retinal displacement. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Stratifying the risk of re-detachment: variables associated with outcome of vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a large UK cohort study

Learning ObjectivesUpon completion of this activity, participants will:Assess variables associated with primary anatomical outcome (anatomical failure within 6 months of surgery) after vitrectomy and internal tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, based on a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected dataEvaluate risk stratification using a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating variables associated with anatomical failure within 6 months of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery, based on a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected dataDetermine the clinical implications of variables associated with primary anatomical outcome (anatomical failure within 6 months of surgery) after vitrectomy and internal tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, based on a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.Accreditation StatementsIn support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Springer Nature. Medscape, LLC is jointly accredited with commendation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.Medscape, LLC designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.To participate in this journal CME activity: (1) review the learning objectives and author disclosures; (2) study the education content; (3) take the post-test with a 75% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at www.medscape.org/journal/eye; (4) view/print certificate.Credit Hours1.0Release date:Expiration date:Post-test link:https://medscape.org/eye/posttest983835EDITORSobha Sivaprasad, MD, Editor, EyeAuthors/Editors disclosure informationDavid Yorston, FRCOphth, Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland. Paul H.J. Donachie, MSc, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, United Kingdom, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, National Ophthalmology Database Audit, London, United Kingdom. D.A. Laidlaw, MD, FRCOphth, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. David H. Steel, MD, FRCOphth, Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Sunderland, United Kingdom, Bioscience Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom. G.W. Aylward, MD, FRCOphth, Moorfields Eye Hospital City Road, London, United Kingdom. Tom H. Williamson, MD, FRCOphth, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United KingdomJournal CME author disclosure informationLaurie Barclay has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: formerly owned stocks in AbbVie Inc.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Prolonged Prone Position Maintenance after Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: We report a rare case of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism that occurred following 2 weeks in the prone position after a trans pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.Case Summary: A 49-year-old man without a remarkable medical history visited our clinic complaining of gradual vision loss on the inferior side of the left eye. In fundus examinations, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment involving the macula with multiple tears was noted. After trans pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade, the patient was encouraged to maintain a prone position for retinal reattachment. However, after 2 weeks in the prone position, he complained of right calf pain and swelling. The department of cardiovascular surgery was consulted immediately and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were diagnosed. After deep vein thrombectomy and anticoagulation therapy, the lower extremity symptoms improved and the patient was stable during follow-up with a well attached retina.Conclusions: When prolonged prone positioning after retina surgery is necessary, careful monitoring for the possibility of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is required, especially in high-risk patients.

Risk Factors of Cystoid Macular Edema After Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cystoid macular edema after pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and identify possible related risk factors. A retrospective monocentric study was conducted within a cohort of pseudophakic patients undergoing vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment between January 2019 and December 2022. Demographic data, initial and intraoperative characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and postoperative data were analyzed. Cystoid macular edema was defined on optical coherence tomography exclusively. A total of 164 eyes of 164 patients were included for analysis. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 65.7 ± 12.0years. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 2.1 ± 1.0logMAR preoperatively and 1.0 ± 0.7logMAR postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 13.4 ± 7.7months. The prevalence of cystoid macular edema was 17.1% [9.8-26.4]. In multivariate analysis, severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy (relative risk 3.6 [1.3-9.7]) and laser retinopexy (relative risk 8.4 [1.1-64.7]) were independently and significantly associated with cystoid macular edema. The prevalence of cystoid macular edema in pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after pars plana vitrectomy was 17.1%. Severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy stage and the use of endolaser retinopexy were independent risk factors for development of cystoid macular edema.

Optical coherence tomography angiography changes after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and its correlation to visual outcome

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the capillary vessel density (CVD) and the flow of superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to correlate these changes with the visual outcome. Patients and methods This is a prospective interventional study that was conducted on 17 eyes with macula-off RRD. All patients underwent 23-G vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) injection. OCTA was performed 1 month after SO removal. The outcome measures included the CVD, SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, SCP and DCP disorganization, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results There was a statistically significantly less density of the mean DCP (40.82±6.87%, P=0.03), and the mean SCP (38.95±6.75%, P=0.007) in the operated eye compared to the fellow eye. The central foveal thickness (CFT) was statistically significantly higher in the operated eye (309.06±92.12 μm) compared to the fellow eye (242.29±25.48 μm), (P=0.019). The SCP capillary arcade disruption was statistically significantly more frequent in the operated eyes (12=70.6%) especially in the eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) (P=0.049) and those with cystoid spaces (P=0.049). Conclusion The CVD, excluding the fovea, was significantly worse in the operated eyes. The SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, and SCP and DCP disorganization were detected in most patients following RRD repair, but with no significant correlation with BCVA.

Safety and efficacy of cryopexy during pars Plana vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

To evaluate efficacy and safety of intraoperative cryoretinopexy in cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In this retrospective, interventional case series, we review the medical records of 85 consecutive cases of RRD treated with pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade, without the use of perfluorocarbon liquids. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number and location of retinal breaks, location and extension of retinal detachment, duration of symptoms, macula status, presence, and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) were registered. Follow-up visits were at 1 day, 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Anatomical and functional outcomes and any adverse event were recorded. Primary anatomical success was obtained in 82/85 patients (96%). During the postoperative period, PVR was observed in 4/85 cases (4.7%), 3 of whom developed recurrence of retinal detachment. 7/85 (8.2%) patients developed ocular hypertension. We built a model of logistic regression including age, sex, lens status, macula status, number of quadrants involved, number of ruptures and duration of symptoms. None of the variables considered was found to be a predictor of postoperative PVR development. Symptom's duration (β = 0.429; 95% CI = 0.009-0.023; P < 0.001) and preoperative BCVA (β = 0.273; 95% CI = 0.034-0.184; P = 0.005) were predictors for final BCVA. These findings emphasize the safety and efficacy of the use of intraoperative cryotherapy, associated with PPV and gas tamponade, for the management of uncomplicated RRDs.

IS 360° INTRAOPERATIVE LASER RETINOPEXY AFTER PRIMARY PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY WORTHWHILE TO PREVENT RECURRENT RETINAL DETACHMENT?

Introduction: To determine if performing 360° laser retinopexy anterior to the equator during surgery is a viable option to prevent recurrent retinal detachment following a primary pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.&#x0D; Methods: A consecutive case series of 142 patients with retinal detachment who underwent vitrectomy by a single surgeon in Mohammed VI university hospital Marrakech hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. A comparison was made between a group of consecutive patients who underwent 360° laser retinopexy and a control group of patients who did not receive the treatment (39). Patient demographic and clinical information was gathered from medical records. Both groups were analyzed and compared in terms of baseline characteristics and the risk of recurrent retinal detachment over time.&#x0D; Result: Prophylactic intraoperative 360° laser treatment was performed on 103 RRD cases (52 years) and compared to a control group of 39 RRD cases (56.8 years). The rate of the incidence of recurrent retinal detachment at six months after surgery was 12.6%( 13/103 eyes) in the 360° laser group and 28.2%(11/ 39 eyes) in the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intraoperative 360° laser retinopexy performed after primary pars plana vitrectomy led to a substantial decrease in the rate of recurrent retinal detachment post-surgery.

Outcomes and complications of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with pars plana vitrectomy in young adults

BackgroundScleral buckling has been the standard for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair in young patients given the typical lack of posterior vitreous detachment, phakic status, and lower risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. In older patients, pars plana vitrectomy alone is typically used for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. We report the outcomes and complications of pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in young eyes.MethodsRetrospective, single-center cohort study. Medical records of patients between 15 to 45 years of age undergoing primary pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair between 2010 and 2020 were carefully reviewed. All analyses were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis tests for numeric covariates between age groups.ResultsEyes were stratified by age: 15–24 (group 1, n = 10), 25–34 (group 2, n = 14), and 35–45 (group 3, n = 38). The average number of surgeries were 1.9, 1.4, and 1.1 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.004). Single surgery success rates were 50%, 64%, and 92% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.005). Final reattachment rates were 80%, 93%, 100% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.568). Proliferative vitreoretinopathy developed in 50%, 7%, and 8% of eyes in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionWhile the final reattachment rates were excellent in all groups, the higher rates of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and lower single surgery success rate in younger patients may suggest that primary pars plana vitrectomy may not be the optimal repair method in these age groups.

Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant at the Time of Silicone Oil Removal to Treat Persistent Macular Edema after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair

An intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of cystoid macular edema (CME) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of DEX-I at the time of SO removal for the treatment of recalcitrant CME after successful RRD repair. A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on 24 consecutive patients (24 eyes) with recalcitrant CME after RRD repair who were treated with a single 0.7-mg DEX-I at the time of SO removal. The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). A regression model was performed to assess the relationship between BCVA and CMT at 6 months and independent variables. In all 24 patients, CME occurred after RRD repair and remained despite topical therapy. The mean time of CME onset was 27.4 ± 7.7 days after vitrectomy. The mean time between vitrectomy and DEX-I was 106.8 ± 10.1 days. The mean CMT was significantly decreased from 429.6 ± 59.1 µm at baseline to 294 ± 46.4 µm at month 6 (p < 0.0001). The mean BCVA significantly improved from 0.99 ± 0.3 at baseline to 0.60 ± 0.3 at month 6 (p < 0.0001). An elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in one (4.1%) eye, which was medically managed. A univariate regression model revealed a relationship between month-6 BCVA after DEX-I and gender (β = -0.27; p = 0.03) and macular status (β = -0.45; p = 0.001) when RRD occurred. No relationship between month-6 CMT and independent variables was found. DEX-I at the time of SO removal had an acceptable safety profile and achieved favorable outcomes in eyes affected by recalcitrant CME that occurred after RRD repair. RRD-related macular status is significantly associated with visual acuity after DEX-I.

Effect of silicone oil on retinal microcirculation after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment evaluated by OCT angiography: a literature review.

Silicone oil (SO) has been widely used as intravitreal tamponade agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and has been occasionally associated with incomplete retinal structural and functional recovery. The use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) has recently attracted significant attention for detailed analysis of retinal capillary plexus and blood flow changes as predicting factors for postoperative outcomes. A detailed literature search was performed in PubMed database until October 2022. The following keywords were used: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, silicone oil, optical coherence tomography angiography, macular microvasculature, peripapillary capillary plexus, vessel density, and foveal avascular zone. We identified and reviewed 19 studies referring to microcirculation alterations of the retinal capillary plexus as seen on OCT-A in eyes treated by vitrectomy with intravitreal SO for RRD. A comprehensive update revealed variability of microcirculation characteristics of the retinal capillary plexus including the macular and the peripapillary capillaries. Further studies are warranted to clarify the OCT-A values in an attempt to identify the potential effect of SO on retinal tissue in clinical practice. A review of the existing literature sheds light on the effect of SO on retinal capillary plexus and the potential impact on functional outcomes after vitrectomy for RRD. This article discusses important aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance to identify distinct alterations of the microvasculature status, and proposes the need for further future research in this field.

Air versus Gas Tamponade for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Air tamponade’s effectiveness in treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) remains unclear. Objective: We aimed to review the surgical outcomes between air and gas tamponade after vitrectomy for RRD. Method: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were reviewed. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42022342284). The primary outcome was the primary anatomical success after vitrectomy. The secondary outcome was the prevalence of postoperative ocular hypertension. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Results: Ten studies involving 2,677 eyes were included. One study was randomized, and the others were non-randomized. The primary anatomical success after vitrectomy was not significantly different between the air and gas groups (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–1.48). The risk of ocular hypertension was significantly lower in the air group (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.09–0.24). The certainty of evidence regarding air tamponade having a comparable anatomical outcome and lower frequency of postoperative ocular hypertension in treatment of RRD were low. Discussion: The current evidence base for tamponade selection in treatment of RRD has several major limitations. Further appropriately designed studies are needed to guide tamponade selection.

Commentary: Treatment of postoperative cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes: An enigma.

Post-operative cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a sight-threatening complication that could affect visual recovery following a successful ocular surgery. Irvine–Gass syndrome, that is, PCME following cataract surgery has extensively been studied. The incidence of clinical CME following phacoemulsification ranges from 0.2% to 2.35%.[1] The incidence of PCME following vitrectomy for vitreous floaters, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and the epiretinal membrane (ERM) has been found to be around 5%, 10–25%, and 13–47%, respectively.[1-4] Although the exact pathophysiology of PCME remains debatable, the most probable cause seems to be subclinical low-grade inflammation. Studies have shown that the levels of cytokines and prostaglandins are elevated in such eyes, leading to blood–aqueous barrier breakdown and consequent fluid accumulation.[1-4] Pole et al.[2] described the optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of PCME after RRD surgery. These included fovea-involving diffuse CME, which involved all four macular quadrants and cysts in the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. In untreated eyes, the cysts may coalesce into larger irregular, polygonal-shaped cavities. CME may resolve spontaneously but cause disorganization and atrophy of the retinal layers. Several risk factors for the development of PCME following vitrectomy have been identified. Risk factors following RRD surgery include old age, cataract surgery, macula-off RRD, longer duration, pre-existing proliferative vitreoretinopathy changes (C or higher), intra-operative retinectomy, and multiple surgeries.[12] Risk factors following ERM removal surgery include old age, cataract surgery, stage 4 ERM, and the presence of pre-existing intraretinal cysts.[34] The post-operative tamponading agent did not influence the development of PCME in either pathology.[1-4] To date, there has been no consensus on the treatment for PCME. Its management is often complex due to its recurring nature. The various available treatment options include topical steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drops; intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections; intravitreal dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants; suprachoroidal triamcinolone injection; and posterior subtenon and trans-tenon retrobulbar triamcinolone injection. The efficacy of topical treatment in previously vitrectomized eyes is usually limited.[12] Similarly, anti-VEGF injections also tend to be less effective in vitrectomized eyes due to faster clearance and reduced half-life.[12] Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection has been found to be better than anti-VEGF injections in improving macular thickness and visual acuity.[2] However, the mean elimination half-life in vitrectomized eyes is merely 3.2 days compared to 18.6 days in non-vitrectomized eyes.[5] On the contrary, the vitreoretinal pharmacokinetic profiles of dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants in vitrectomized eyes are similar to that in non-vitrectomized eyes. Intravitreal dexamethasone implant has been found to be an effective treatment option for eyes with PCME following vitrectomy for RRD and even endophthalmitis.[67] Eyes that underwent vitrectomy for ERM compared to RRD, presence of subretinal fluid, intact outer retinal layers, and worse baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) have higher chances of visual improvement. Owing to the recurrent nature of the disease, multiple injections are often needed.[6] Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant has been shown to achieve persistent functional and anatomical improvement with long recurrence-free periods. Miguel–Escuder et al.[8] suggested that it could be considered as a therapeutical option in eyes with refractory PCME following vitrectomy. Suprachoroidal TA injection with the help of custom-made needles is another treatment option. Due to its unique position, the suprachoroidal space serves as a drug reservoir with slow drug washout and better absorption. Animal model-based pharmacokinetic studies have shown that a 12-fold higher drug concentration can be achieved in the retina along with reduced entry drug in the anterior chamber, thus reducing the risk of intraocular pressure rise and cataract formation.[9] Trans-Tenon’s retrobulbar TA infusion has also been used successfully for the management of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) in vitrectomized eyes. The described technique included making an incision in the conjunctiva and the Tenon’s capsule in the inferotemporal quadrant followed by infusion of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide with a 25-gauge curved blunt cannula into sub-Tenon’s space under topical anesthesia.[10] Posterior subtenon triamcinolone (PST) injections have classically been used for the management of intermediate uveitis. It has been shown to provide a sustained high level of TA in the vitreous cavity level along with low systemic TA levels that cannot alter the systemic cortisol levels.[11] We congratulate the authors for their manuscript evaluating the efficacy and safety of PST for the treatment of chronic PCME in vitrectomized eyes.[12] However, prospective randomized studies with a larger sample size are required to compare the efficacy with other treatment modalities. Because simultaneous complicated cataract surgery is itself a risk factor for the development of PCME, eyes with nucleus drop should be excluded. Additionally, the management of a raised intraocular pressure in the steroid responder eyes may be challenging, because the depot of TA in the posterior subtenon location is difficult to remove completely.

Optical and Physical Properties of Silicone Oil Extracted from the Vitreous of Patients Who Underwent Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment.

Purpose: Silicone oil (SO) is a crucial tool in vitreoretinal surgery. SO has the tendency to emulsify depending on certain factors. In this work, detailed analyses have been conducted to understand changes that occurred to the physical, optical, and chemical characteristics of the oil after removal from the vitreous cavity. Methods: Five samples of SO were collected from patients who underwent vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, and contact angle analysis were utilized to determine the changes in its chemical bondings, transmittance, absorbance, viscosity, buoyance, and specific gravity. Results: FTIR analysis showed significant changes in the chemical bonding that might be related to the age of the patient, lens status, the presence of retinal hemorrhages, and the exposure to laser after implantation of SO. In addition, contact angle analysis revealed that the viscosity might be affected by duration of implantation and the age of the patient. Moreover, transmittance and absorbance were largely affected by the exposure to laser retinopexy after implantation. Conclusion: This study showed that certain factors such as the age of the patient, the exposure to laser, lens status, and the presence of retinal hemorrhages may contribute to the emulsification process.

Silicone oil residual after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

ObjectiveTo explore the presence of residual emulsified silicone oil (SO) droplets in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and their possible risk factors.MethodsPatients who underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy with SO injection for RRD and SO removal at the same eye centre were included. Approximately 10 weeks after SO removal, B-scan ultrasonography was performed, and using ImageJ, the silicone oil index (SOI) was measured, and its possible correlations with other clinical factors were explored.ResultsA total of 101 eyes were included. Residual SO particles were found in all the patients (100%), and the mean SOI was 4.04% ± 5.16% (range 0.06%–19.88%). Multiple linear regression revealed that, among all the clinical factors, axial length (AL) and ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg or the use of antiglaucoma medications) before SO removal were positively and significantly associated with the SOI (all P < 0.05). Patients with ocular hypertension after SO removal had a higher SOI, a longer SO duration, a higher IOP before SO removal and a longer AL than those without (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with a larger AL and higher IOP before SO removal were more prone to have more residual SO droplets, which might in turn lead to an elevated IOP. In these eyes, thorough irrigation or repeated fluid-air exchange might be necessary.