[Use of retinotomy for retinal redetachment in the silicone oil filled eye]

Abstract

Purpose: Retinal redetachment after primarily successful vitreous surgery with silicone oil tamponade is quite often observed. Extensive peripheral retinotomy is required. The aim of our study is to present the results of relaxing retinotomy.

Material and methods: 94 consecutive patients who underwent retinotomy for retinal redetachment in the silicone oil filled eyes were examined. Indications for this procedure were: proliferative vitreoretinopathy (81.1%), trauma (12.6%) and diabetic retinopathy (6.3%). These eyes were previously treated with scleral buckling, vitrectomy, membrane peeling and silicone tamponade without success.

Results: After a minimum of 6 months follow-up, the retina was completely attached in 73 (76.8%) cases. Sixty three (66.3%) eyes achieved final visual acuity 1/50 or better, and 37 (38.9%) achieved visual acuity of 5/50 or better. If the size of retinotomy was < 180 degrees minimal visual acuity 5/50 was observed in 40% and if retinotomy size was 180 degrees-360 degrees this visual acuity was achieved in 38.7% of cases.

Conclusions: Retinotomy can be an effective procedure in cases of repeated retinal detachment in the silicone oil filled eyes. Both, timing of this procedure and extent of retinotomy have no influence on final functional results.