Abstract
Purpose::
To assess the primary reattachment rate when using air as the tamponade agent in selected cases of primary retinal detachment treated by vitrectomy and cryotherapy and/or laser.
Methods::
All patients who underwent primary vitrectomy and cryotherapy and/or laser with air as a tamponade agent between April and September 2006 were assessed retrospectively. All patients had full ophthalmic examinations before surgery. The extent of the retinal detachment and the location of the retinal breaks were determined by indirect ophthalmoscopy. The primary outcome measure was retinal reattachment rate.
Results::
12 eyes were identified to have undergone vitrectomy with cryotherapy and/or laser and air. 7 patients were phakic and 5 patients were pseudophakic. Retinal tears were located inferiorly in 2/12 patients, in 10/12 patients tears were located superiorly. Vision at presentation varied from light perception to 20/20. The primary reattachment rate was 91.6%. This is similar to primary reattachment rates for vitrectomy with long acting gas.
Conclusions::
We conclude that air is a safe and effective tamponade agent in cases of primary retinal detachment, if the breaks are in a position to allow tamponade by posturing. As air reabsorbs more quickly than SF6 or C3F8 this promotes patient visual rehabilitation and may decrease the incidence of cataract and secondary retinal breaks due to persisting intraocular gas.
Keywords: retinal detachment • vitreoretinal surgery • vitreous substitutes