Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with primary congenital glaucoma

Abstract

Background: The development of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) in eyes with a history of congenital glaucoma (CG) is very rare. We present the characteristics and surgical outcomes of three cases with a RRD who had CG and had undergone surgery many years earlier.

Cases: Three men, ages 14, 43, and 48 years of age, each with a history of surgery for primary CG, presented with a RRD. All of the eyes were highly myopic. The retinal tears were located at the equator in all cases. The degree of RRD were superior half, total, and total (proliferative vitreoretinopathy).

Observations: Vitrectomy was performed and the retinas were reattached in all cases. However, the visual acuity in all cases remained poor.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a posterior vitreous detachment due to advanced vitreous liquefaction in the highly myopic eyes may have been the cause of the RRD. We recommend periodic fundus examinations in patients with CG, because while the RRD in patients with CG can be reattached the functional recovery may not be good.