Abstract
Purpose::
to investigate the infrared (IR), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) features of persistent macular retinal detachments after successful scleral buckling surgery.
Methods::
prospective, consecutive, interventional study. Ten patients with persistent foveal detachment of 41 consecutive cases successfully treated with scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment were examined. Exclusion criteria were vitreoretinopathy grade B and more, traumatic retinal detachments and pre-existing macular disorders. All patients completed at least 12 months follow-up. Patients were examined at 48 hours, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after surgery with a complete ophthalmic examination as well as IR, FAF and OCT. Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography were performed 3 to 6 months after surgery and after retinal reattachment.
Results::
in all cases the detachment involved the macular area. On biomicroscopic examination the retina appeared re-attached after 24 hours. However, the OCT scans demonstrated the presence of a subfoveal detachment 48 hours after surgery, which persisted in all cases at 6 months. In none of the examined patients the detachment resolved before 12 months. Visual acuity remained stable or increased in all cases. IR photos revealed the presence of multiple detachments across the posterior pole in 5 out of 10 cases.
Conclusions::
non invasive imaging techniques, such as OCT scan, IR, and FAF photos, are useful to detect subclinical retinal detachments, both sub- and extra foveal, and photoreceptor layer abnormalities, otherwise not visible with ophthalmoscopy or FA.
Keywords: retinal detachment • imaging/image analysis: clinical • retina