Rescue Pneumatic Retinopexy for Retinal Detachment in Vitrectomized Eyes

Purpose: To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of pneumatic retinopexy (PnR) in vitrectomized eyes.

Methods: This was a retrospective multi-center study evaluating eyes 1) treated with PnR for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) that 2) had a prior history of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for any indication. At least 3 months of follow-up was required.

Results: A total of 38 eyes from 38 patients met inclusion criteria. Retinal reattachment after a single PnR was achieved in 71.1% (27/38). The primary anatomic reattachment rate (PARR) was 100% (12/12) for eyes which previously underwent PPV for indications other than RRD, but lower (57.7%; 15/26) for those with a history of RRD repair (p<0.001). Median logMAR VA (Snellen equivalent) improved from 0.74 (20/110) to 0.48 (20/60) at 3 months (p=0.004), 0.44 (20/55) at 6 months (p=0.002), 0.35 (20/45) at 12 months (p=0.007), and 0.30 (20/40) at the final visit (p=0.007).

Conclusion: PnR may be a useful and less invasive rescue technique to reattach the retina in previously vitrectomized eyes with a RRD, especially in those without prior RRD history.