Our Summary

This study looked at two different methods of treating a certain type of retinal detachment (where the retina at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position) in patients who have had cataract surgery. The two methods are called pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and PPV with scleral buckle (PPV-SB).

The researchers collected data from several eye clinics in the US and found that adding the scleral buckle to the surgery (PPV-SB) led to a better success rate in terms of the retina staying in place after the operation. They found this to be true regardless of whether the retina detachment was located on the top or bottom of the eye.

However, when they looked at the patients’ vision after the operation, there was no significant difference between the two methods. This suggests that while the PPV-SB method might be able to fix the physical issue of a detached retina more effectively, it doesn’t necessarily lead to better vision for the patient compared to the PPV method.

FAQs

  1. What are the two different methods of treating retinal detachment discussed in this study?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in the patients’ vision after the operation between the two methods?
  3. Does adding a scleral buckle to the surgery lead to better success rates in terms of the retina staying in place after the operation?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing retinal detachment surgery to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is important to report any changes in vision or any new symptoms to the doctor promptly, as early detection and treatment of complications can improve outcomes. Additionally, wearing protective eyewear and avoiding activities that could increase eye pressure, such as heavy lifting or straining, can help prevent further damage to the retina.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those who have experienced a detachment of the retina, which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. In this particular study, patients who had previously undergone cataract surgery and developed retinal detachment were studied. The study found that adding a scleral buckle to the surgery (PPV-SB) led to a better success rate in terms of the retina staying in place after the operation, regardless of the location of the detachment.

It is important for patients with retinal detachment to undergo surgery as soon as possible to prevent permanent vision loss. Patients who experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their visual field should seek immediate medical attention to determine if they require retinal detachment surgery.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision
  • Patient sees an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam and possibly imaging tests like ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT)
  • Ophthalmologist diagnoses retinal detachment and recommends surgery to reattach the retina

After retinal detachment surgery:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative testing and evaluation to determine the best surgical approach
  • Surgery is performed, either using PPV or PPV-SB technique
  • Patient is monitored closely in the immediate postoperative period for any complications
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light in the days following surgery
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision improvement
  • Patient may need to use eye drops or undergo additional procedures to optimize visual outcomes
  • Over time, patient’s vision may improve as the retina reattaches and heals, but some visual changes or complications may persist.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal detachment surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after retinal detachment surgery?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific post-operative care regimen?
  4. What are the chances of the retinal detachment reoccurring after surgery?
  5. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  7. What can I do to optimize my chances of a successful outcome from retinal detachment surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing retinal detachment surgery, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my specific case of retinal detachment that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Joseph DP, Ryan EH, Ryan CM, Forbes NJK, Wagley S, Yonekawa Y, Mittra RA, Parke DW, Emerson GG, Shah GK, Blinder KJ, Capone A, Williams GA, Eliott D, Gupta OP, Hsu J, Regillo CD. Journal: Ophthalmology. 2020 Nov;127(11):1507-1514. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2020.05.005. Epub 2020 May 8. PMID: 32437865