Evolving techniques in the treatment of macular detachment caused by optic nerve pits

Abstract

Fourteen patients with macular detachments caused by optic nerve pits were treated for progressive visual loss, cystoid macular changes, or atrophy of the macular retinal pigment epithelium. Photocoagulation of the temporal disc border alone was unsuccessful in two cases but promptly reattached the macula of two patients immobilized after laser surgery. Vitrectomy and gas tamponade improved vision and flattened the macula of three patients over various periods. The detachment recurred in one patient. Prompt and sustained macular reattachment with improved vision was noted after photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and gas tamponade in eight patients, although four required second operations. The prompt reattachment and visual recovery noted in these eight patients surpasses the reported 25% rate of spontaneous resolution.