Abstract
Purpose::
To study retinal function and structure by means of electroretinography and OCT after vitrectomy surgery for recent onset rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). We have previously shown significant improvement of central retinal function after scleral buckling surgery (SBS) for recent onset RRD, however persistent subretinal fluid in the fovea was associated with decreased central retinal function (Schatz et al. Retina 2006, In press).Possible advantages of vitrectomy compared to SBS, in terms of functional and anatomic outcomes, may include less functional damage to photoreceptor in the abcense of an encircling band restricting ocular blood flow, and a lower incidence of persistent subretinal fluid in the fovea.
Methods::
Patients presenting with RRD <7 days duration underwent vitrectomy surgery. Full-field ERGs, multifocal ERGs and OCT scans over the macula were obtained before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Visual fields were examined with Goldmann perimetry and SITA 30-2.
Results::
Preliminary results show improvement of central retinal function by mfERG, and full-field ERG amplitudes after successful reattachment. However, full-field ERG 30-Hz flicker implicit times were prolonged as compared to before surgery. OCT delineated exactly the borders between attached and attached areas before surgery, and established the presence of persistent subretinal fluid in the fovea in selected cases, after surgery.
Conclusions::
The combination of electrophysiology and OCT allows for refined assesment of outcomes in terms of retinal function and structure, after vitrectomy surgery for recent onset RRD. Preliminary results show an unusual pattern with improvement of amplitudes but prolonged implicit times in the 30 Hz flicker full-field ERG. The study is ongoing.
Keywords: retinal detachment • electroretinography: clinical • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)