Our Summary

The study aimed to see how often and to what extent the retina moves out of place after a specific eye surgery called scleral buckling. This procedure is used to treat a condition where the retina detaches at the macula, an area at the back of the eye critical for sharp, central vision. The researchers looked back at patients who had this surgery without a gas tamponade (a method used to reattach the retina) between June 2016 and July 2021. They examined medical records, surgical reports, and images of the patients’ retinas.

Out of the 12 eyes from 11 patients, only one eye (8%) experienced a small amount of retinal displacement. This patient also had an epiretinal membrane, a condition where a thin layer of tissue forms on the retina surface. The other 92% of the eyes did not show any signs of the retina moving out of place.

In conclusion, the retina moving out of place doesn’t seem to be a common issue after scleral buckling surgery for retinal detachment at the macula.

FAQs

  1. What is the incidence of retinal displacement after scleral buckling surgery for macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
  2. What methods were used to evaluate retinal displacement following the surgery?
  3. Based on the study, how common is retinal displacement as a complication of primary scleral buckling surgery for macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting to prevent any potential complications such as retinal displacement. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients with macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are typically recommended retinal detachment surgery, specifically scleral buckling surgery without gas tamponade, to reattach the retina and prevent vision loss. This study found that retinal displacement following this type of surgery is rare, with only one out of twelve eyes showing minimal displacement. Therefore, this surgery may be recommended for patients with macula-involving retinal detachment to achieve successful reattachment of the retina and preserve vision.

Timeline

Before retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, and a sudden decrease in vision.
  2. Patient sees an ophthalmologist for an eye examination, which may include imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to diagnose retinal detachment.
  3. Ophthalmologist recommends surgery to repair the detached retina.

After retinal detachment surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scleral buckling surgery, a procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the eye to support the detached retina.
  2. Patient is monitored closely postoperatively for any signs of complications such as infection or increased intraocular pressure.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort and blurred vision immediately after surgery, which usually improves over time.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the success of the surgery.
  5. In the long term, the patient’s vision may improve as the retina reattaches and heals, although some degree of vision loss may be permanent depending on the extent of retinal damage.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of retinal detachment surgery?
  2. How successful is scleral buckling surgery for macula-involving retinal detachment?
  3. What is the recovery process like after retinal detachment surgery?
  4. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should follow after retinal detachment surgery?
  6. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  7. What are the chances of the retinal detachment recurring after surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that can help prevent future retinal detachments?
  9. What should I do if I experience any new or worsening symptoms after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my retinal detachment?

Reference

Authors: Rohowetz LJ, Shaheen AR, Russell JF, Ashkenazy N, Iyer PG, Sridhar J, Flynn HW Jr, Yannuzzi NA. Journal: Retina. 2022 Aug 1;42(8):1498-1502. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000003499. PMID: 35389965