Our Summary

This study, conducted by the Japan Retina and Vitreous Society, studied 719 patients with a specific eye condition called macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD), where the retina separates from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss. The researchers wanted to see how the length of time the macula (a part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision) is detached affects a patient’s ability to see after surgery.

Patients with a history of eye surgery were excluded, with the exception of those who had cataract surgery or vitrectomy (a procedure to remove the jelly-like substance in the eye). The researchers compared patients who had their macula detached for a certain number of days (2-5 days) to those who had it detached for longer.

They found that patients who had surgery within 2 or 3 days of the macula detachment had significantly better vision 6 months after surgery than those who waited longer. However, this was not the case for patients who waited 4 or 5 days.

The researchers suggest that, if possible, surgery should be performed within the first 3 days of the detachment, taking into consideration social circumstances such as weekends. This could potentially improve a patient’s post-surgery vision.

They did not have any financial or commercial interest in the materials used in this study.

FAQs

  1. What is macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD)?
  2. How does the length of time the macula is detached affect a patient’s vision post-surgery?
  3. When is the recommended time to perform surgery after a retinal detachment according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their visual field. Early detection and prompt treatment can improve the outcome of the surgery and help preserve vision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, where the macula is detached from the back of the eye leading to vision loss. Additionally, patients without a history of eye surgery, except for cataract surgery or vitrectomy, are also candidates for this surgery. It is important to note that the timing of the surgery is crucial, with better outcomes seen in patients who undergo surgery within the first 2-3 days of macula detachment.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, or a sudden increase in the number of floaters, blurred vision, and a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision.

After retinal detachment surgery, the patient will typically have follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress and vision. They may need to wear an eye patch or shield for a period of time to protect the eye and may need to use eye drops to prevent infection. The patient may also experience some discomfort or mild pain after surgery.

In the long term, the patient’s vision may improve gradually as the retina heals, but some patients may experience permanent vision loss or distortion. Follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient’s vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of retinal detachment surgery for my specific case, and what are the potential risks and complications?

  2. How long should I wait before undergoing surgery after experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment?

  3. What is the timeline for recovery after surgery, and what kind of post-operative care will be required?

  4. Will I need to follow any specific restrictions or precautions after surgery to prevent further detachment or complications?

  5. What are the chances of experiencing vision improvement after surgery, especially if the macula has been detached for a certain number of days?

  6. What is the expected outcome in terms of my vision and overall eye health in the long term?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available besides surgery, and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and risks?

  8. How experienced are you in performing retinal detachment surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  9. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or examinations before surgery to assess the extent of the detachment and plan for the procedure?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that I should adopt to improve my eye health and reduce the risk of retinal detachment in the future?

Reference

Authors: Miyake M, Nakao SY, Morino K, Yasukura S, Mori Y, Ishihara K, Muraoka Y, Miyata M, Tamura H, Sakamoto T, Tsujikawa A; Japan-Retinal Detachment Registry Group. Journal: Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 May;7(5):375-382. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.01.014. Epub 2023 Jan 25. PMID: 36707048