Risk factors for ciliochoroidal effusion after panretinal photocoagulation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence, duration, and risk factors for ciliochoroidal effusion after panretinal photocoagulation.


METHODS
Thirty-nine consecutive patients with diabetic retinopathy underwent ultrasound biomicroscopy of both eyes to image the ciliochoroidal space immediately before and 1 day after unilateral argon-green panretinal photocoagulation. Imaging was repeated on days 3, 7, and 14 in patients in whom ciliochoroidal effusion developed.


RESULTS
Low-lying ciliochoroidal effusions were imaged in 23 (59%) of 39 eyes. Of 23 eyes, effusions resolved in 6 (26%), 12 (52%), and 5 (22%) eyes by 3, 7, and 14 days respectively. The number of laser applications (P = 0.02), shorter axial length (P = 0.01), and percentage of retinal surface area treated (P = 0.02) were associated with systemic hypertension, location of treatment, previous panretinal photocoagulation of cataract surgery, retinal surface area treated, and mean blood pressure before photocoagulation were not associated with effusion. All fellow, untreated eyes remained effusion-free.


CONCLUSIONS
Ciliochoroidal effusion develops commonly after panretinal photocoagulation. Limiting the number of laser applications and the percentage of retinal surface area treated reduces the likelihood of this complication. Eyes with shorter axial lengths are at higher risk
Gentile
R C
RC
Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York 10003, USA.
Stegman
Z
Z
Liebmann
J M
JM
Dayan
A R
AR
Tello
C
C
Walsh
J B
JB
Ritch
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002924:Ciliary Body; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography