Manejo del desprendimiento de retina regmatógeno / Management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

1. INTRODUCCIÓN El desprendimiento de retina es un problema visual grave que puede ocurrir a cualquier edad, aunque suele darse en individuos de edad media o en personas de la tercera edad. La incidencia es relativamente baja considerando que las estima-ciones varían según zonas geográficas; y, se han reportado datos de entre 6,3 y 17,9 por 100 000 habitantes. Otras características im-portantes a considerar son la degeneración en encaje de 45,75% y la miopía de 47,28% que influyen en la presentación del desprendi-miento de retina. Al mismo tiempo que la edad, los cambios vítreos retinianos y la presencia de pseudofaquia1,2. Además, de los factores oculares relacionados también influyen, el seguimiento inadecuado de los factores de riesgo y el difícil acceso a médicos especialistas que se traduce en retraso en el diagnóstico certero y tratamiento tardío que implica deterioro del pronóstico visual cuando el área macular está incluida en el área desprendida con pobres resultados en adultos jóvenes y en edad productiva.El tratamiento evitará el deterioro o pérdida irreversible de la visión. El pronóstico con tratamiento quirúrgico es bueno si el des-prendimiento no incluye a la mácula.

1. INTRODUCTIONRetinal Detachment is a serious visual problem that can occur at any age, although it usually occurs in middle-aged or elderly in-dividuals. The incidence is relatively low considering that estimates vary ac-cording to geographical areas; and, data have been reported be-tween 6,3 and 17,9 per 100 000 inhabitants. Other important cha-racteristics to consider are socket degeneration of 45,75% and myopia of 47,28% that influence the presentation of retinal deta-chment, as well as age, vitreoretinal changes and the presence of pseudophakia1,2.In addition to the related ocular factors, inadequate follow-up of risk factors and difficult access to medical specialists also play a role, resulting in delayed accurate diagnosis and late treatment that implies deterioration of the visual prognosis when the macular area is included in the detached area with poor results in young adults and those of productive age.Treatment will prevent irreversible deterioration or loss of vision. The prognosis with surgical treatment is good if the detachment does not include the macula.

Pars plana vitrectomy and visual stimulation for treatment of vitreomacular traction secondary to toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis in a 5-year-old child / Vitrectomia via pars plana e estimulação visual para tratamento da tração vitreomacular secundária à retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose em criança de 5 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: A unusual case of ocular toxoplasmosis with significant vitreomacular traction is reported. The patient improved significantly following pars plana vitrectomy combined with visual stimulation and occlusion therapy. Methods: The case of a 5-year-old girl with significant unilateral vision loss associated with vitreous condensation and macular traction is described. Results: Pars plana vitrectomy was carried out for vitreomacular traction release. This was followed by visual stimulation and occlusion therapy. Significant improvement was observed. Conclusion: Despite structural damage, the combination of properly indicated surgery and amblyopia management strategies allowed the achievement of maximum vision goals in this case, suggesting structural damage may be associated with functional amblyopia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relata-se um caso de apresentação atípica de toxoplasmose ocular, com importante tração vitreomacular. A paciente apresentou melhora significativa após vitrectomia via pars plana, com estimulação visual e oclusão. Métodos: Descreve-se o caso de uma menina de 5 anos, com importante perda de visão unilateral associada à condensação vítrea e à tração macular. Resultados: Foi realizada vitrectomia via pars plana para alívio da tração vitreomacular, seguida de estimulação visual e oclusão. Foi observada melhora significativa. Conclusão: Apesar dos danos estruturais, a combinação de cirurgia bem indicada com estratégias de tratamento da ambliopia permitiu alcançar o máximo do potencial visual nesta paciente, sugerindo que os danos estruturais podem estar associados à ambliopia funcional.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of active ocular toxoplasmosis / Achados ultrassonográficos em toxoplasmose ocular ativa

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmic ultrasonographic findings associated with active ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: Forty-seven eyes with active ocular toxoplasmosis in 47 patients were subjected to ocular ultrasonography using the transpalpebral technique (10-MHz transducer) and fundus photography. Patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Ocular ultrasonography revealed vitritis, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal wall thickening, and non-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 47 (100%), 36 [76.6%; partial in 12 (25.5%) and total in 23 (48.9%)], 12 (25.5%), and 5 eyes (10.6%). Thirty-five of the 36 eyes with posterior vitreous detachment (97.2%) exhibited posterior hyaloid thickening; moreover, adhesion to the exudative lesion and vitreoschisis were observed in 4 (11.1%) and 12 eyes (25.5%), respectively. Ultrasonography detected the location of the exudative focus in 12 eyes (25.5%). Conclusion: Ultrasonography is helpful for detecting important intraocular findings of acute ocular toxoplasmosis that can be hindered by medial opacity or posterior synechiae.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os achados da ultrassonografia na toxoplasmose ocular ativa. Métodos: Quarenta e sete olhos com toxoplasmose ocular ativa em 47 pacientes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia ocular pela técnica transpalpebral (transdutor de 10 MHz) e fundo de olho. Os prontuários médicos foram revistos retrospectivamente. Resultados: A ultrassonografia ocular revelou vitreíte, descolamento vítreo posterior, espessamento da parede da retina e descolamento de retina não regmatogênico em 47 (100%), 36 [76,6%; parcial em 12 (25,5%) e total em 23 (48,9%)], 12 (25,5%) e 5 olhos (10,6%). Trinta e cinco dos 36 olhos com descolamento vítreo posterior (97,2%) exibiram espessamento hialoide posterior; além disso, a adesão à lesão exsudativa e vitreosquise foi observada em 4 (11,1%) e 12 (25,5%), respectivamente. A ultrassonografia detectou a localização do foco exsudativo em 12 olhos (25,5%). Conclusão: A ultrassonografia é útil na detecção de importantes achados intra-oculares de toxoplasmose ocular aguda que podem ser prejudicados pela opacidade medial ou sinéquia posterior.

Long-term Clinical Outcome of Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of optic disc pit maculopathy after vitrectomy. METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively the medical records of eight patients with macular retinal detachment or retinoschisis who underwent vitrectomy due to optic disc pit maculopathy. The best-corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography findings were analyzed after surgery. RESULTS: Eight eyes of eight patients (two male and six female) were enrolled. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.76 log MAR, the mean age was 42.8, and the mean follow-up period was 56 months (range: 8–120 months). At baseline, retinoschisis was observed in all eight eyes. Six eyes had serous retinal detachment of the macula. Vitrectomy for a complete posterior vitreous detachment was performed. Additional internal limiting membrane peeling and tamponade were performed in six and four eyes, respectively. After surgery, serous retinal detachment was gone in all eyes (100%) at a mean of 22.8 months (range: 18 days–60 months). Three of eight eyes (37.5%) showed the disappearance of retinoschisis at a mean of 6.8 months (range: 1.7–21 months), but the remaining patients still had retinoschisis at the final visit. Ocular complications were full-thickness macular hole and iatrogenic retinal detachment in each case. The final corrected visual acuity improved to 0.29 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy is an effective treatment for patients with optic disc pit maculopathy. It achieved anatomical and visual improvements over a long period of time. However, retinoschisis due to inner retinal fluid remained in many patients.

Ultra-wide Field Fundus Photography Using Eye Steering Technique in Patients with Symptomatic Posterior Vitreous Detachment

PURPOSE: To evaluate the availability of ultra-wide field fundus photography based on eye steering technique to diagnose retinal breaks in patients with symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). METHODS: The medical records of patients with symptomatic PVD were reviewed. Retinal breaks were independently identified using four eye steering capture images of ultra-wide field fundus photographs. The sensitivity and specificity of eye steering capture imaging for diagnosing retinal breaks were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 94 eyes of 94 patients were included. Using fundus examination after pupil dilatation, retinal breaks were diagnosed in 42 (45%) eyes. The sensitivity of the eye steering capture imaging was 98% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88–100%), and the specificity was 98% (95% CI: 90–100%). Of the 58 retinal tears, 28 (97%) involving the superior quadrant, 10 (100%) involving the inferior quadrant, 6 (100%) involving the nasal quadrant, and 13 (100%) involving the temporal quadrant were identified using eye steering capture images. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-wide field fundus photography based on eye steering technique was useful for diagnosing retinal breaks in patients with symptomatic PVD. However, eye steering photography could not adequately replace the fundus examination after pupil dilatation in all cases.

Impact of Age on Scleral Buckling Surgery for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate new prognostic factors in associated with primary anatomical failure after scleral buckling (SB) for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: The medical records of patients with uncomplicated RRD treated with SB were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes with known prognostic factors for RRD, such as fovea-on, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, pseudophakia, aphakia, multiple breaks, or media opacity, were excluded. Analysis was performed to find correlations between anatomical success and various parameters, including age. RESULTS: This study analyzed 127 eyes. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (≥35) was the sole independent prognostic factor (odds ratio, 3.5; p = 0.022). Older age was correlated with worse preoperative visual acuity (p < 0.001), shorter symptom duration (p < 0.001), presence of a large tear (p < 0.001), subretinal fluid drainage (p < 0.001), postoperative macular complications (p = 0.048), and greater visual improvement (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Older age (≥35) was an independent prognostic factor for primary anatomical failure in SB for uncomplicated RRD. The distinguished features of RRD between older and younger patients suggest that vitreous liquefaction and posterior vitreous detachment are important features associated with variation in surgical outcomes.

Initial experience with ocriplasmin in the treatment of vitreomacular traction / Experiência inicial com ocriplasmina no tratamento da tração vitreorretiniana

ABSTRACT This study aimed to report the clinical and structural outcomes of intravitreal ocriplasmin in the treatment of vitreomacular interface disorders in two tertiary centers in Brazil. A retrospective study was performed by reviewing medical records and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings of seven patients who were treated with a single ocriplasmin injection. A total of 57.14% of patients achieved resolution of vitreomacular traction as evidenced by SD-OCT. Regarding our functional results, 87.71% maintained or improved visual acuity after follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting initial results of ocriplasmin therapy in Brazil.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo é relatar os resultados iniciais, tanto do ponto de vista funcional quanto anatômico, no tratamento das doenças da interface vítreo-macular com a ocriplasmina em 2 serviços terciários no Brasil. Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado através de revisão de prontuários, além de análise de achados em tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT) em 7 pacientes tratados com uma única injeção intravítrea de ocriplasmina. Em nosso estudo 57,14% dos pacientes apresentaram resolução da tração vítreo-macular no SD-OCT. Em relação aos resultados funcionais, 87,71% dos pacientes mantiveram, ou melhoraram sua acuidade visual durante o acompanhamento. Para nosso conhecimento, trata-se do primeiro estudo em nosso país, mostrando resultados iniciais com ocriplasmina em pacientes tratados no Brasil.

Reproliferation of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane after Spontaneous Separation

PURPOSE: To report the reproliferation of membrane after a spontaneous separation in a patient with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old woman complained of metamorphopsia in the left eye. Her vision without correction was 0.8. On fundus examination, the epiretinal membrane was covering the fovea with posterior vitreous detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed the ERM and thickened macula. Retinal break, intraocular inflammatory disease, and retinal vascular disease were not noted. We diagnosed her with idiopathic ERM and followed up regularly. At month 7, a partial separation of the membrane from the retinal surface was noted. At month 12, complete spontaneous separation of the ERM from the macula except that in the temporal area was accompanied by improvement of vision to 1.0. OCT, showing recovery of the fovea contour. However, her corrected vision decreased to 0.7 at month 17, and the ERM was again observed to cover the macula. Thickening of the ERM progressed further, and her corrected vision decreased to 0.5 at month 21. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous separation of membrane is a rare phenomenon in idiopathic ERM. Reproliferation of membrane can develop and induce visual impairment. Therefore, regular examination is recommended in patients with spontaneous separation of membrane.

Frequency and Causes of Segmentation Errors in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and potential causes of segmentation errors in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) scans. METHODS: Segmentation errors for the RNFL thickness analysis were recorded during a retrospective chart review of 214 eye scans from 132 consecutive patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect who underwent a complete eye exam using Spectralis™ OCT scanning from August 2014 to November 2014. Segmentation errors were classified as inner, outer, inner and outer segmentation errors, and degraded images. The risk factors including age, sex, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalents, severity of glaucoma, and associated ocular disorders were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 71 eye scans included segmentation errors. Risk factors of inner segmentation error (8.9%) were age, epiretinal membrane, and degenerative myopia. Risk factors of outer segmentation error (29.9%) were age, peripapillary atrophy, posterior vitreous detachment, and severity of glaucoma. Risk factors of inner and outer segmentation errors (6.1%) were age and degenerative myopia. The single risk factor of degraded image (2.3%) was degenerative myopia. CONCLUSIONS: Segmentation errors for SD-OCT RNFL scans in glaucoma patients are common. Clinicians should carefully review the scans for segmentation errors when using SD-OCT images in glaucoma diagnosis or during patient follow-up.

Analysis of Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness after Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with or without intravitreal gas injection (IVGI) or surgical induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). METHODS: Eighty patients who were diagnosed with epiretinal membrane (ERM) or macular hole and who received surgical intervention were retrospectively reviewed. Forty patients were treated with ILM peeling and forty patients were treated with ERM removal, but not with ILM peeling. The patients were categorized according to ILM peeling, IVGI, and surgical induction of PVD. The GCIPL thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography, and the average and sectorial thickness of GCIPL were compared. RESULTS: The GCIPL thickness in the ILM peeling group significantly decreased (-13.80 ± 22.63 µm; p < 0.001), but was not significantly different in the ERM removal without ILM peeling group, compared with the preoperative GCIPL thickness (+1.21 ± 22.53 µm; p = 0.546). The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.038). In the ILM peeling group, GCIPL thickness was not significantly different in the IVGI group (-17.41 ± 23.92 µm vs. -7.25 ± 19.05 µm; p = 0.109) and was significantly decreased in the surgical induction of the PVD group (-23.06 ± 23.92 µm vs. -7.25 ± 19.05 µm; p = 0.020). On sectorial analysis, reduction of the temporal GCIPL thickness was the largest and was significantly different compared with the nasal GCIPL thickness in ILM peeling group (-19.73 ± 28.55 µm vs. -7.42 ± 19.90 µm; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: ILM peeling and surgical induction of PVD may damage ganglion cells. Therefore, gentle ILM peeling and surgical induction of PVD may be needed to minimize ganglion cell damage, especially when ILM peeling is performed in glaucomatous patients.

Evaluation of the Cortical Vitreous Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Eyes

PURPOSE: To observe the shape of posterior vitreous spaces using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in normal eyes. METHODS: The posterior vitreous of 80 eyes of 80 volunteers without ocular disease was imaged. The DRI OCT-1 Atlantis (Topcon, Oakland, NJ, USA) was used to acquire scans of the posterior vitreous over an 18 × 18-mm2 area using the 12-mm horizontal line scan protocol. The size of the premacularis bursa was measured by the aliper function of the OCT. RESULTS: A boat-shape bursa was found in most cases. The prevalence of detected bursa fell with further increases in the extent of posterior vitreous detachment. The mean width of the bursa premacularis was 7,679.1 µm and the mean depth was 471.4 µm. CONCLUSIONS: Deep range imaging optical coherence tomography will provide improvement for in vivo anatomic characterization of the cortical vitreous, and allow better visualization of the dimensions of the bursa premacularis.

Evaluation of the Cortical Vitreous Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Normal Eyes

PURPOSE: To observe the shape of posterior vitreous spaces using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in normal eyes. METHODS: The posterior vitreous of 80 eyes of 80 volunteers without ocular disease was imaged. The DRI OCT-1 Atlantis (Topcon, Oakland, NJ, USA) was used to acquire scans of the posterior vitreous over an 18 × 18-mm2 area using the 12-mm horizontal line scan protocol. The size of the premacularis bursa was measured by the aliper function of the OCT. RESULTS: A boat-shape bursa was found in most cases. The prevalence of detected bursa fell with further increases in the extent of posterior vitreous detachment. The mean width of the bursa premacularis was 7,679.1 µm and the mean depth was 471.4 µm. CONCLUSIONS: Deep range imaging optical coherence tomography will provide improvement for in vivo anatomic characterization of the cortical vitreous, and allow better visualization of the dimensions of the bursa premacularis.

A Case of Postpartum Macular Hole in a Young Woman

PURPOSE: To describe a case of macular hole (MH) in a 29-year-old non-myopic woman after uncomplicated delivery. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old woman visited our clinic complaining of decreased visual acuity in her left eye after uncomplicated delivery. Fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography showed a full thickness macular hole in the left eye. However, we found not posterior vitreous detachment or vitreomacular traction in the posterior pole. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and SF6 gas tamponade. Three months after vitrectomy, the patient's visual acuity was improved and the macular hole was closed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced and treated a case of postpartum MH developed in a young woman without posterior vitreous detachment or vitreomacular traction in the posterior pole. This suggests another mechanism of MH formation. Postpartum MH was successfully treated by existing idiopathic macular hole surgery.

The Characteristics of Non-Retinal Lesions in the Ultra-Wide Field Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Image

PURPOSE: To evaluate various types and; characteristics of non-retinal lesions associated with ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope images. METHODS: This retrospective study included 139 eyes of 139 patients with non-retinal lesions observed on color images obtained using Optomap 200Tx (Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland, UK). The non-retinal lesion is a hyperreflective or hyporeflective shadow due to anterior segment of the eye or vitreous except the retina. Types and characteristics of red laser separation, green laser separation and autofluorescence images of non-retinal lesions were evaluated. RESULTS: All non-retinal lesions in images were categorized into 2 groups according to the location of non-retinal lesions. The anterior non-retinal lesions group included corneal opacity, cataract and posterior capsular opacity. The posterior non-retinal lesions group included asteroid hyalosis, posterior vitreous detachment, vitreous opacity and vitreous hemorrhage. Anterior non-retinal lesions were more often hyporeflective in red and green laser separation images (p < 0.001). Posterior non-retinal lesions were more often hyperreflective in green laser separation images and hyporeflective in red laser separation images (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope images can frequently have various shadows from anterior or posterior lesions of the eye. These shadows show a difference in reflectivity depending on their origins. To understand the difference helps in the interpretation of the fundus images.

Descolamento de retina / Retinal detachment

O descolamento de retina é definido como a separação da retina sensorial do epitélio pigmentar da retina pela presença de fluído sub-retiniano. Esse artigo é uma revisão sobre suas principais formas, diagnóstico, tratamento e prevenção.

A retinal detachment is a separation of the sensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium by subretinal fluid. This article is a review about the different types of retinal detachment, diagnoses, treatment and prevention.

Delayed Closure of Idiopathic Macular Hole after Vitrectomy, Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling, and Gas Tamponade

PURPOSE: To report a case of delayed idiopathic macular hole closure after vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old female complained of visual disturbance in her left eye. At presentation, her visual acuity was 20/100 in the left eye. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed a full-thickness macular hole 489 microm in diameter as well as posterior vitreous detachment. Hence, vitrectomy, concurrent cataract surgery, internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade were performed. One month postoperatively, the hole remained unclosed, although decreased in size to 378 microm. At 2 months, cystoid macular edema developed and postoperatively the hole diameter decreased gradually to 311 microm, 252 microm and 156 microm at 2, 3, and 5 months, respectively. Finally, the hole was closed upon the resolution of macular edema at 9 months. However, the visual acuity of 20/100 remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed closure of holes which may be related to cystoid macular edema, can develop after macular hole surgery.

Spontaneous Separation of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane in an Elderly Patient

PURPOSE: To report a case of spontaneous separation of idiopathic epiretinal membrane in an elderly patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old male presented with decreased visual acuity in the right eye. He was diagnosed with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) in the right eye and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in both eyes. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ERM removal in the right eye. At postoperative 1 year, his vision in the right eye had improved, but idiopathic ERM developed in the left eye and visual acuity in the left eye decreased. Three years later, the ERM in the left eye resolved spontaneously and his vision increased. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we present a rare case of spontaneous separation of idiopathic ERM associated with a pre-existing PVD in an elderly patient and reviewed the available literatures regarding the possible mechanisms for the spontaneous separation of ERM in the presence of a pre-existing PVD.

A Case of Serous Macular Detachment Preceding Macular Retinoschisis in an Optic Pit

PURPOSE: To report a case of serous macular detachment preceding macular retinoschisis in an optic pit patient successfully treated by vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling. CASE SUMMARY: A 76 year old female visited our clinic for visual disturbance in her right eye. Fundus photograph revealed optic pit and OCT showed macular retinoschisis in her right eye. She was followed up in our clinic. The patient revisited our clinic because of sudden decrease of visual acuity in her right eye 3 days before. At that time, the patient's best-corrected visual acuity was 0.05. Macular retinoschisis, subretinal fluid and serous retinal detachment were observed in her right eye on OCT. She was diagnosed with serous retinal detachment associated with optic pit and pars plana vitrectomy was performed. During vitrectomy, we found adhesion and defect of posterior hyaloid membrane which covered the optic pit. Therefore, subretinal fluid was drained via membrane defect and posterior vitreous detachment and fluid-gas exchange were induced. Sixteen days after surgery, we found a macular hole in her right eye on OCT. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed with internal limiting membrane peeling. One month after surgery, macular detachment was not observed. Six months after surgery, the patient's best corrected visual acuity was 0.63 and the macula was reattached completely. CONCLUSIONS: Optic pit maculopathy can be progressed rapidly in aged patients and macular hole would be ocurred as a complication. Additional study will be needed to figure out the role of internal limiting membrane and tractional force of posterior vitreous in these patients.

Clinical Characteristics of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Patients under 40 Years of Age

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors and the factors affecting surgical and visual outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients under 40 years of age. METHODS: This retrospective study included 88 patients (96 eyes) diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that were followed up for more than 3 months postoperatively. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to age. The etiologic risk factors and the primary anatomical and functional success rates were analyzed. Preoperative factors that could affect postoperative visual acuity and primary anatomical outcome, such as subretinal strands and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (grade C or worse), were analyzed. RESULTS: Myopia more severe than -4.0 diopters was the most common predisposing factor in all 3 groups. Anatomical success rates and functional success rates were not significantly different among the groups. Prevalence of macular detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy were highest in group 1. The presence of subretinal strands was highest in group 2 and proliferative vitreoretinopathy was highest in group 1. Patients with preoperative subretinal strands showed a lower primary anatomical success rate in group 1 and poor postoperative visual acuity in groups 1 and 2. Patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy had poor postoperative visual acuity however there was no significant difference in primary anatomical success rate among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy did not affect the anatomical success rate but did affect visual outcome in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients under age 40. Subretinal strands contributed to a lower anatomical success rate and poorer visual outcome in such patients that were under age 18.

Clinical Characteristics of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Patients under 40 Years of Age

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors and the factors affecting surgical and visual outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients under 40 years of age. METHODS: This retrospective study included 88 patients (96 eyes) diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that were followed up for more than 3 months postoperatively. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to age. The etiologic risk factors and the primary anatomical and functional success rates were analyzed. Preoperative factors that could affect postoperative visual acuity and primary anatomical outcome, such as subretinal strands and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (grade C or worse), were analyzed. RESULTS: Myopia more severe than -4.0 diopters was the most common predisposing factor in all 3 groups. Anatomical success rates and functional success rates were not significantly different among the groups. Prevalence of macular detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy were highest in group 1. The presence of subretinal strands was highest in group 2 and proliferative vitreoretinopathy was highest in group 1. Patients with preoperative subretinal strands showed a lower primary anatomical success rate in group 1 and poor postoperative visual acuity in groups 1 and 2. Patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy had poor postoperative visual acuity however there was no significant difference in primary anatomical success rate among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy did not affect the anatomical success rate but did affect visual outcome in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients under age 40. Subretinal strands contributed to a lower anatomical success rate and poorer visual outcome in such patients that were under age 18.