Subsequent Retinal Tears in the Course of a Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Abstract

Purpose:: To analyze the occurrence of subsequent retinal tears (SRT) among patients that developed retina tears (RT) in the course of a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).Materials and

Methods:: 164 eyes were evaluated in 155 consecutive patients that presented one or more RT in the evolution of a PVD. Besides a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, fundus biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression were performed in all patients by the same examiner. SRT were defined as RT developing after an initial diagnosis of RT.

Results:: According to findings, patients were grouped in 2 groups. In group 1, patients presented non-subsequent RT (NSRT) (RT diagnosed at initial examination): 154 eyes in 145 patients; mean age 55.17 years (r= 10-84); 53.8% females (p 0.7472); 7.59% bilateral RT; 48.70% were myopic eyes and 51.3% were non myopic (p 0.7472); 50.65% were symptomatic (p 0.872). In group 2 patients developed SRT: 10 eyes in 10 of the 155 patients (6.45%); mean age 57.6years (r=30-69); 60% males (p 0.5271); 20% bilateral RT; an average of 2.9 tears per eye was found; 80 % were myopic eyes and 20% were non myopic (p 0.0578); 80 % were symptomatic (p 0.0578).

Conclusions:: Multiple RT may be diagnosed simultaneously or subsequently in the evolution of a PVD. SRT are infrequent among RT. They are most frequently observed among myopic patients, and are more frequently symptomatic than NSRT. If misdiagnosed and eventually not treated, they could represent a risk for the development of a retinal detachment.

Keywords: retina • vitreous • retinal detachment