Our Summary

This research study looked at the clinical results of a treatment called pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) on elderly patients aged 75 and above. This treatment is used for a condition called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), which is when the retina in the eye detaches.

The study used data from patients who had the treatment between October 2010 and December 2022. The researchers didn’t limit the number, size, or location of the retinal breaks in the patients they studied. However, they excluded patients who had certain other conditions or who were unable to meet certain post-operation requirements.

The main measures of success for the study were whether the retina could be reattached using PnR, and how well the patients could see 3 months after the treatment.

Out of 80 patients, the average age was around 81 years. Around 35% had a lens (phakic), and about 34% had a certain type of RRD. On average, there were around 1-2 breaks in the detached retina, and the detachment covered about 2-3 quadrants of the retina.

Three months after the PnR treatment, about 79% of patients had their retinas reattached, while the remaining approximately 21% needed further surgery. There was a significant improvement in vision from before the treatment to 3 months after.

The study also looked specifically at patients aged over 80, and found similar results.

In conclusion, the study suggests that PnR is an effective treatment for RRD in elderly patients. It’s a less invasive procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office and may be a good option for some elderly patients. The results were comparable to other, more invasive surgical methods.

FAQs

  1. What is pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) and what condition is it used to treat?
  2. How successful was the pneumatic retinopexy treatment in reattaching the retina and improving vision according to the research study?
  3. How does the effectiveness of pneumatic retinopexy compare to other surgical methods for treating retinal detachment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include keeping the head in a certain position, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending all follow-up appointments. It’s important to communicate any changes in vision or symptoms to your doctor promptly. Additionally, maintaining regular eye exams and monitoring for any new symptoms can help catch any potential issues early on.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), where the retina detaches due to a tear or hole. This condition can cause vision loss and requires surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage. In the study mentioned above, elderly patients aged 75 and above were the focus, but retinal detachment surgery can be recommended for patients of any age who have RRD. Other factors that may influence the recommendation for surgery include the size, number, and location of retinal breaks, as well as the overall health of the patient. It’s important for patients to consult with their ophthalmologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, and a curtain-like shadow over part of their visual field. They may also notice a sudden decrease in vision.

After surgery, the patient will typically have a follow-up appointment with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and ensure that the retina has successfully reattached. They may experience some discomfort and blurry vision in the days following the surgery, but this should improve as the eye heals. It may take several weeks for vision to fully return to normal, and the patient will need to follow any post-operative instructions provided by their doctor to aid in the healing process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal detachment surgery include:

  1. What is retinal detachment surgery and how does it work?
  2. Am I a suitable candidate for pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) treatment?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of PnR treatment for retinal detachment in elderly patients?
  5. What is the recovery process like after the surgery?
  6. Will I need follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent future retinal detachments?
  8. How soon can I expect to see an improvement in my vision after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific factors about my individual case that may affect the outcome of the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for retinal detachment that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Shor R, Melo IM, Motekalem Y, Zajner C, Muni RH. Journal: Ophthalmol Retina. 2023 Nov;7(11):959-964. doi: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.07.010. Epub 2023 Jul 17. PMID: 37459912