Our Summary

This study looks at the reasons behind and outcomes of retinal detachment occurring again after it has been treated with a specific type of eye surgery (called pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade). The researchers reviewed cases of 343 eyes that had this surgery to treat retinal detachment. They found that in about 12% of these cases, the retina detached again. Most of these re-detachments happened within 6 months after the surgery.

The main factor that increased the chance of the retina detaching again was a condition called Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) graded as C or higher. This is a condition where abnormal cells grow on the retina and can cause it to wrinkle or detach. Moreover, if this PVR condition was present before the first surgery or when the retina detached again, the final vision of the patient was worse.

In conclusion, the study found that PVR is a significant risk factor for the recurrence of retinal detachment and can also affect the final vision of the patient after treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is the main factor that increases the chance of retinal detachment after surgery?
  2. How does Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) affect the final vision of a patient after treatment?
  3. What percentage of retinal detachments occur again after undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important for patients who have undergone retinal detachment surgery to closely monitor their vision and report any changes or symptoms to their doctor immediately. Additionally, following post-operative instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome. Maintaining regular communication with your healthcare provider and addressing any concerns promptly can help in preventing further complications and ensuring successful treatment of retinal detachment.

Suitable For

Patients who are at a higher risk for retinal detachment recurrence and may be recommended for surgery include those with a history of PVR, particularly if it is graded as C or higher. These patients may also have a worse final vision outcome compared to those without PVR. It is important for patients with these risk factors to be closely monitored and receive appropriate treatment to prevent the recurrence of retinal detachment.

Timeline

  • Before retinal detachment surgery: The patient may experience symptoms such as flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision. They would then see an eye doctor who would diagnose the retinal detachment through a dilated eye exam.

  • During retinal detachment surgery: The patient would undergo a procedure called pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, where the surgeon removes the vitreous gel in the eye and replaces it with silicone oil to hold the retina in place.

  • After retinal detachment surgery: The patient would have follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor their recovery and healing. In some cases, the retina may detach again, usually within 6 months post-surgery, especially if the patient has PVR. If a re-detachment occurs, additional treatment may be needed, such as another surgery or laser therapy, to reattach the retina and improve vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of surgery is recommended for my retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after retinal detachment surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of this surgery in preventing the detachment from occurring again?
  5. How will my vision be affected after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent re-detachment?
  7. How often should I have follow-up appointments to monitor my eye health after the surgery?
  8. What are the signs and symptoms of a possible re-detachment that I should watch out for?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my retinal detachment?
  10. What can I do to reduce my risk of developing Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and potentially experiencing re-detachment after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fu Y, Xie TH, Gu ZH, Yang N, Geng RF, Zhang YL. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2022 Dec;42(12):3813-3820. doi: 10.1007/s10792-022-02401-7. Epub 2022 Jul 8. PMID: 35802298