Our Summary

This research study looks at the issue of the retina (the layer at the back of the eye that senses light) moving out of place after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) - a condition where the retina detaches from the rest of the eye. The impact of such displacement on vision is not well understood.

The researchers used a special type of imaging (ultra-widefield or UWF imaging) to study the eyes of patients who had undergone RRD surgery at Rothschild Foundation Hospital. They looked at patients’ vision and any reported visual problems after surgery, and also measured any displacement of the central part of the retina (the macula).

Their findings showed that, of 123 eyes studied, 14 (11%) showed signs of the macula moving out of place, always in a downward direction. The average angle of this downward shift was 3.8 degrees. Interestingly, patients whose macula moved didn’t have worse vision after surgery compared to those whose macula stayed put. Also, the size of the original retinal detachment and whether the macula was involved in it didn’t seem to affect whether the macula moved after surgery.

In conclusion, in this group of patients who had RRD surgery, 11% experienced a downward shift of the retina. This result was consistent with other similar studies and didn’t seem to be linked to visual problems.

FAQs

  1. What is the incidence of retinal displacement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery?
  2. What are the clinical features of retinal displacement after RRD surgery?
  3. Is the postoperative visual acuity affected in patients with retinal displacement after RRD surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal detachment surgery is to be aware that there is a possibility of macular retinal displacement occurring after the surgery. This displacement may cause symptoms such as visual impairment or metamorphopsia (distorted vision). Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring with ultra-widefield imaging can help detect any retinal displacement early on and allow for prompt management if needed. It is important to discuss any changes in vision or symptoms with your doctor following retinal detachment surgery.

Suitable For

Retinal detachment surgery is typically recommended for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, a condition in which a hole or tear in the retina allows fluid to accumulate underneath, causing the retina to detach from the back of the eye. Patients with symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision are often recommended for retinal detachment surgery. Additionally, patients with a history of retinal detachment in the other eye, a family history of retinal detachment, or certain risk factors such as severe myopia or a history of eye trauma may also be recommended for surgery to prevent further vision loss.

Timeline

  • Before retinal detachment surgery: The patient may experience symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, and a sudden decrease in vision. They will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose the retinal detachment and determine the best course of treatment.

  • During retinal detachment surgery: The patient will undergo a vitrectomy and/or scleral buckle procedure to reattach the detached retina. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and may take several hours to complete.

  • After retinal detachment surgery: The patient will have a follow-up appointment with their ophthalmologist to monitor their recovery. They may experience some discomfort, redness, and blurred vision in the days following surgery. In some cases, the patient may experience macular retinal displacement, which can be detected and measured using ultra-widefield imaging. However, this displacement does not necessarily impact visual acuity or symptoms of visual impairment in all cases.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of experiencing retinal displacement after retinal detachment surgery?
  2. What are the potential symptoms or signs of retinal displacement that I should be aware of?
  3. How will retinal displacement be diagnosed and monitored after surgery?
  4. What are the treatment options available if retinal displacement occurs?
  5. How might retinal displacement impact my overall visual outcome after surgery?
  6. Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of developing retinal displacement postoperatively?
  7. Will additional imaging tests, such as ultra-widefield imaging, be used to monitor for retinal displacement?
  8. Can you explain the potential implications of retinal displacement on my long-term eye health and vision?
  9. What steps can I take to potentially reduce my risk of developing retinal displacement after surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should consider postoperatively to help prevent retinal displacement?

Reference

Authors: de Saint Sauveur G, Sayadi S, Lejoyeux R, Salviat F, Tadayoni R, Bruneau S, Bonnin S, Le Mer Y. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 12;44(1):66. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03018-8. PMID: 38347237