Primary vitrectomy for combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and choroidal detachment with or without oral corticosteroids: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: The occurrence of choroidal detachment (CD) in eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is relatively uncommon (2%-4.5%). Recent reports suggest that primary vitrectomy yields better anatomic success than scleral buckling. However, for these inflamed eyes with low intraocular pressure, the influence of preoperative oral steroids on reattachment rates has not been elucidated yet.

Methods: Twenty eyes with combined RRD and CD that underwent primary vitrectomy were randomized to receive oral steroids (for 1 week) or no oral steroids before surgery.

Results: Preoperative clinical data such as mean age, lens status, Snellen visual acuity, duration of macular detachment, CD (size and extent), and retinal detachment characteristics (e.g., extent, number of retinal breaks, atrophic or tractional retinal break, size of retinal break, and location of retinal break) were similarly distributed in both groups. Single-operation anatomic success was 81.8% (9/11) among those patients who received preoperative oral steroids and was 66.7% (6/9) among those who did not receive preoperative oral steroids. After reoperation, anatomic success was 100% in both groups. The mean follow-up was 20.1 months.

Conclusion: The results suggest that administration of oral steroids before primary vitrectomy in eyes with combined RRD and CD improves reattachment rates.