Our Summary

This study looked at the structure and function of the back part of the eye, the retina, after a specific type of eye surgery called scleral buckling (SB). This surgery is done to fix a condition called macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) where the retina detaches from its normal position.

The researchers studied 40 eyes in total; 20 eyes that had undergone the SB surgery and 20 healthy eyes. They used an advanced imaging technique called spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to look at the structure of the retina and another technique called OCT angiography (OCTA) to examine the blood vessels in the eyes. They also measured the eyes’ ability to see clearly and detect light.

Their results showed that the blood vessels in the eyes that had undergone surgery were less dense than those in the healthy eyes. However, the thickness of certain parts of the retina in the operated eyes was not significantly different from the healthy eyes. They also found that the sensitivity of the retina to light was lower in the eyes that had surgery, but the ability to see clearly was not affected.

In conclusion, the study found that after SB surgery, there are changes in the sensitivity of the retina and the network of blood vessels in the eye. These findings could potentially help in monitoring and managing patients who have undergone this type of eye surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of scleral buckling (SB) surgery?
  2. What changes in retinal structure and function were noted after SB surgery due to macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)?
  3. What is the relationship between retinal sensitivity and vessel density (VD) in patients after SB surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to be aware that changes in retinal sensitivity and impairment of the microvascular network may occur post-operatively. It is important to follow up with regular eye exams and imaging tests to monitor the health of the retina and address any potential issues promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following any specific post-operative care instructions provided by the doctor can help optimize the outcome of the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who have macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and have undergone scleral buckling surgery are typically recommended for retinal surgery. These patients may experience changes in retinal structure and function, including a reduction in vessel density in the superficial and deep vascular plexus, as well as radial peripapillary capillaries. Retinal sensitivity may decrease postoperatively, while there may be no significant changes in best corrected visual acuity. Patients who have undergone SB surgery may benefit from further evaluation and potential intervention to address these changes in retinal structure and function.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, such as blurred vision, floaters, and flashes of light.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination, including imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose the detachment.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations with the retinal surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks.

After retinal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scleral buckling surgery to repair the macula-on retinal detachment.
  2. Within 6-12 months post-surgery, patient undergoes follow-up examinations to evaluate retinal structure using spectral domain OCT and vessel density by OCT angiography.
  3. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry (MP) tests are used to assess retinal function post-surgery.
  4. Analysis shows a significant reduction in vessel density in the superficial vascular plexus, deep vascular plexus, and radial peripapillary capillaries in the operated eyes compared to fellow healthy eyes.
  5. Retinal sensitivity decreases post-surgery, while BCVA remains stable.
  6. Correlations are observed between retinal sensitivity and vessel density in the superficial vascular plexus and radial peripapillary capillaries.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal surgery based on the information provided in the abstract could include:

  1. Can you explain the potential changes in retinal structure and function that may occur after scleral buckling surgery for macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment?
  2. How will spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) be used to evaluate my retinal structure post-surgery?
  3. What is OCT angiography (OCTA) and how will it be used to assess the microvascular network in my eye after surgery?
  4. What impact does a reduction in vessel density in the superficial vascular plexus, deep vascular plexus, and radial peripapillary capillaries have on my overall retinal health?
  5. How will changes in retinal sensitivity, as measured by microperimetry tests, affect my vision after surgery?
  6. Are there any specific precautions or follow-up care that I should be aware of to monitor changes in my retinal structure and function post-surgery?
  7. Can you explain any potential correlations between retinal sensitivity and vessel density in the different layers of the retina, and how this may impact my vision over time?
  8. What are the expected outcomes in terms of visual acuity and overall retinal health following scleral buckling surgery for macula-on RRD?

Reference

Authors: Zabel P, Zabel K, Kazmierczak K, Stankiewicz M, Jaworski D, Suwala K, Buszko K, Stafiej J, Malukiewicz G, Kaluzny JJ. Journal: PLoS One. 2023 Mar 2;18(3):e0279683. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279683. eCollection 2023. PMID: 36862728