Our Summary

This study looked at how effective two types of eye surgery were in treating a condition called primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), which is when the retina (the layer at the back of the eye that senses light) pulls away from its normal position. They compared these surgeries in two groups of patients: those who had their natural lens (phakic) and those who had an artificial lens (pseudophakic or PFK).

They used a microscope to help perform the surgery and a special light source called a chandelier endoilluminator to better see the retina. The main things they were looking at were how successful the surgery was in reattaching the retina and how well patients could see afterwards at different time points up to a year.

The results showed that this type of surgery was very successful in reattaching the retina in both groups of patients, with a success rate of over 90% in both groups. The patients’ vision also improved in both groups after a year. They found that the chandelier endoilluminator was especially helpful in spotting retinal breaks in the PFK group.

The study concluded that this method of surgery is effective for treating primary RRD in patients with both natural and artificial lenses. They also found that using a specific device during surgery (a 5-mm oval sponge) meant that no additional devices were needed and that draining fluid from the eye helped to flatten the retina and close the breaks.

FAQs

  1. What is the effectiveness of microscope-assisted episcleral surgery with chandelier endoillumination for primary RRD in both phakic and PFK eyes?
  2. What is the role of chandelier endoilluminators in the surgery for retinal detachment?
  3. What is the reattachment rate for retinal detachment after the surgery in both phakic and pseudophakic patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow postoperative care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities and taking prescribed medications to prevent infection and promote healing. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in both phakic and pseudophakic (PFK) eyes are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery. The study mentioned in the abstract found that microscope-assisted episcleral surgery with chandelier endoillumination is an effective technique for primary RRD in both phakic and PFK eyes with uncomplicated cataract surgery. This technique can help to visualize undetected retinal breaks and achieve high rates of retinal reattachment. Additional factors such as the use of an encircling 5-mm oval sponge and transcleral drainage may also be considered in the surgical management of retinal detachment.

Timeline

  • Before surgery: The patient may experience symptoms of retinal detachment such as floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision. The patient will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to confirm the diagnosis of retinal detachment and determine the best course of treatment.
  • Surgery: Depending on the specific case, the patient may undergo microscope-assisted encircling buckle surgery with chandelier endoillumination. The surgery aims to reattach the detached retina and prevent further vision loss.
  • After surgery: The patient will be closely monitored for retinal reattachment and visual acuity improvement. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery to track progress. The study showed that the overall primary retinal reattachment rate was 91.7%, with improvements in best-corrected visual acuity over time. In some cases, additional procedures such as transcleral drainage may be necessary to ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of retinal reattachment after the surgery?
  2. What can I expect in terms of visual acuity improvement after the surgery?
  3. How will the chandelier endoillumination help in visualizing any undetected retinal breaks during the surgery?
  4. Will additional exoplants be required if a 5-mm oval sponge is used during the surgery?
  5. What are the potential complications or risks associated with the surgery?
  6. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific postoperative care instructions that I need to follow?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for retinal detachment that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Alkabes M, Fogagnolo P, Vezzola D, Muraca A, Savoini A, Wild D, Frerio F, Ranno S, Radice P, De Cillà S. Journal: Ophthalmologica. 2021;244(6):560-568. doi: 10.1159/000517878. Epub 2021 Jul 1. PMID: 34198301