Delayed Absorption of Subretinal Fluid after Scleral Buckling Procedure for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

ABSTRACT

Delayed absorption of subretinal fluid[SRF]occurs not so infrequently after scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and needs to be differenciated from the condition caused by incomplete closure of retinal break or by proliferative vitreoretinopathy.The purpose of this study was to identify perioperative factors associated with delayed absorption of SRF after scleral buckling.Eighty-four consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment had undergone scleral buckling and been followed for more than 3 months.The duration was shorter than 7 days in early reattachment group[group A, n=65]and the duration was the same as 7 days or longer in delayed absorption group[group B, n=19].Perioperative demographic and ocular factors were analysed.Old age, inferior retinal detachment, operculated tear and proliferative vitreoretinopathy were more prevalent in group B than in group A[p<0.05]. Subretinal gliotic band, demarcation line and subretinal precipitate were detected in group B.Our results suggest that the hypofunction of retinal pigment epithelium and the vitreous traction may play a role in delayed absorption of SRF.