Microstructural retinal findings by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography after vitrectomy repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate macular microstructural changes after macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair and correlate with visual recovery.


METHODS
A prospective, observational study was performed of select patients presenting with macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed at postoperative visits over the course of the first year after operative repair of the RRD.


RESULTS
The maculas of seven patients were evaluated. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final follow-up ranged from 20/20 to 20/70 for all patients. Eyes with final BCVA greater than 20/40 had intact external limiting membrane and outer photoreceptor structures, while those with BCVA of less than 20/70 had poorer definition to those structures. Serial images showed resolution of irregularities in both the external limiting membrane and outer photoreceptor structures.


CONCLUSIONS
Macular structure and function can progressively improve in the first year after successful RRD repair, including in the external limiting membrane, damage to which has previously been thought to be irreversible. SD-OCT serves as a useful tool to monitor postoperative retinal recovery.
Gokul N
GN
Kumar
P Kumar
PK
Rao
Rajendra S
RS
Apte
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012160:Retina / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy