Our Summary

This research paper looked at eye disease in patients with pars planitis, a type of eye inflammation. In particular, they were interested in retinoschisis, a condition where layers of the retina separate. They reviewed the medical records of patients treated between July 2012 and September 2014. Out of 34 patients (with a total of 68 eyes, as the disease affected both eyes in all cases), 13 eyes (or 19%) developed retinoschisis. In almost all of these cases, the condition affected both eyes. They found that the condition could progress regardless of whether the inflammation was active or not. Some patients needed surgery to treat their condition, while others remained stable without intervention. The study concluded that retinoschisis is a common complication for patients with pars planitis and typically affects both eyes.

FAQs

  1. What is pars planitis and how does it relate to retinoschisis?
  2. What were the findings of the research paper regarding retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?
  3. Is surgery always necessary to treat retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding any activities that could put strain on the eyes. It is also important to contact the doctor immediately if there are any sudden changes in vision or increased pain or discomfort. By following these guidelines, the patient can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from the surgery.

Suitable For

Scleral buckle surgery is typically recommended for patients who have a retinal detachment. This is a serious condition where the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from the blood vessels that provide it with oxygen and nutrients. Scleral buckle surgery is used to close the break or tear in the retina, pushing it back into place. Patients with conditions like severe nearsightedness, previous cataract surgeries, or those who have had a serious eye injury may be more at risk for retinal detachment and may require this type of surgery. In the context of the study, patients with pars planitis who developed retinoschisis, a separation of the retinal layers, might also be recommended for scleral buckle surgery if the condition led to retinal detachment.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of pars planitis, such as blurry vision, floaters, and eye pain.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the condition and assess the severity of retinoschisis.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound, to further evaluate the retina.
  4. Treatment options, including scleral buckle surgery, are discussed with the patient.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes scleral buckle surgery to repair the retinal detachment caused by retinoschisis.
  2. Recovery period begins, during which the patient may experience discomfort, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the success of the surgery.
  4. Patient may need to use eye drops or other medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  5. Over time, the patient’s vision may improve as the retinal detachment resolves and the retina reattaches.
  6. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for any complications or recurrence of retinoschisis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of scleral buckle surgery in treating retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of scleral buckle surgery in treating retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?
  4. What is the recovery process like after scleral buckle surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to scleral buckle surgery for retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?
  6. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my vision after undergoing scleral buckle surgery?
  7. Will I need to follow up with additional appointments or treatments after the surgery?
  8. How likely is it for retinoschisis to recur after undergoing scleral buckle surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent complications?
  10. What are the long-term implications of undergoing scleral buckle surgery for retinoschisis in patients with pars planitis?

Reference

Authors: Malalis JF, Bhat P, Shapiro M, Goldstein DA. Journal: Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2017 Jun;25(3):344-348. doi: 10.3109/09273948.2015.1125511. Epub 2016 Feb 22. PMID: 26902143