Our Summary

This research paper reviews cases where a specific type of eye condition, branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), occurred after surgery for another eye condition known as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The researchers looked at medical records from 2015 to 2019 of patients who had undergone surgery for RRD.

They found that out of 734 surgeries performed over five years, six cases of BRVO appeared within the first year after surgery, which is about 0.68% of the cases. Five of these cases happened after a type of eye surgery called vitrectomy, and one happened after another type of eye surgery called scleral buckling.

The researchers suggest two possible reasons for the BRVO. In three cases, it appears that the veins in the retina were already partially blocked due to a twist (or kink) in the vein seen before the surgery. In the other three cases, the veins in the retina may have been damaged during the vitrectomy surgery.

In simple terms, the research concludes that there is a small risk of developing BRVO within a year after surgery for RRD, either due to pre-existing conditions in the retina or due to damage during the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of developing branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)?
  2. What are the possible reasons for the occurrence of BRVO after RRD surgery?
  3. Does the type of eye surgery (vitrectomy or scleral buckling) affect the chance of developing BRVO post-surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to be aware of the potential risk of developing branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after the procedure. Patients should inform their doctor if they experience any sudden changes in vision or other symptoms that could indicate a complication, such as sudden vision loss, floaters, or flashes of light. Regular follow-up appointments with an eye specialist are also important to monitor for any potential issues and ensure optimal healing after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery are those who have been diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which is a condition where the retina detaches from the back of the eye due to a tear or hole. Symptoms of retinal detachment include sudden flashes of light, floaters in the field of vision, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field.

Patients who have a high risk of developing retinal detachment include those with a history of eye trauma, nearsightedness, previous eye surgery, or a family history of retinal detachment. Additionally, older adults are at a higher risk of developing retinal detachment.

It is essential for patients experiencing symptoms of retinal detachment to seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment with surgery is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity and location of the detachment, as well as the patient’s overall eye health and medical history.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in their field of vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision. They will likely undergo a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose the retinal detachment and determine the best course of treatment.

After retinal detachment surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their ophthalmologist, which may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities. Over time, the patient’s vision should improve as the retina heals, but it may take several weeks or even months for their vision to fully stabilize.

It is important for patients to attend follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their recovery and ensure that the retina remains properly attached. In rare cases, complications such as BRVO may occur, so it is essential for patients to report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of developing branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after retinal detachment surgery?
  2. What are the potential risk factors for developing BRVO after surgery?
  3. How can BRVO be prevented or minimized during retinal detachment surgery?
  4. What symptoms should I look out for that may indicate the development of BRVO after surgery?
  5. What is the treatment protocol for BRVO if it does occur after retinal detachment surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of developing BRVO after surgery?
  7. How often should I have follow-up appointments to monitor for any potential complications after retinal detachment surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or approaches that may lower the risk of BRVO after surgery?
  9. How will the development of BRVO impact my overall visual health and prognosis after retinal detachment surgery?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my ophthalmologist regarding the risk of BRVO after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Choi Y, Kim SJ, Lee JJ, Zaidi MH, Shin YU, Byon IS, Lee JE, Park SW. Journal: BMC Ophthalmol. 2023 Dec 19;23(1):513. doi: 10.1186/s12886-023-03244-1. PMID: 38110856