Idiopathic giant retinal tears in identical twins

Abstract

Purpose: To report idiopathic unilateral giant retinal tears with retinal detachment in identical twins that occurred 2 weeks apart.

Methods: Case reports.

Results: In both patients, giant retinal tear and retinal detachment was treated with pars plana vitrectomy, placement of encircling scleral buckle, fluid-perfluorocarbon exchange, endolaser treatment, perfluorocarbon-air exchange, and 16% perfluoropropane injection. One year after retinal detachment surgery, cataract developed in both postoperative eyes. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed on both eyes. Three and a half years after retinal surgery, corrected visual acuity in both treated eyes was 20/20, and retinal reattachment was successful.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of idiopathic giant retinal tears in identical twins and raises the issue of genetic influences in the pathogenesis of this disease.