Trauma-induced retinal detachment associated with giant retinal tears

Abstract

Giant retinal tears may arise spontaneously, but approximately 25% occur in association with ocular trauma. The clinical findings and results of surgical management in 38 cases of traumatic giant retinal tear seen at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London during a 10-year period are presented. Patients were young (mean age = 29 years) and mostly men (n = 36; 95%). Trauma was penetrating in 14 eyes (37%) and nonpenetrating in 24 (63%). Initial surgical management consisted of pars plana vitrectomy and fluid-silicone oil exchange in the majority of cases. Lensectomy was performed for opacity or dislocation in 23 (61%) eyes. Reattachment was achieved in 34 (89%) eyes 12 months after surgery. Most of the surgical failures occurred in eyes with penetrating trauma. Raised intraocular pressure was an associated problem that required treatment in 12 (32%) eyes. Visual acuity at final follow-up examination ranged from 6/6 to no perception of light (NPL; mean = 6/36). These results compare favorably with published figures for the treatment of spontaneous giant retinal tears.