Pneumatic Retinopexy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Pseudophakia

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify the characteristics predictive of unfavorable outcomes for pneumatic retinopexy (PR) in the repair of pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RD). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a single institution to identify patients who underwent PR in pseudophakic eyes. Pre- and postoperative data were reviewed and analyzed to evaluate predictive factors of failure. RESULTS: Forty-four patients met the study criteria. PR was successful in 23 (52.3%) patients. The failed cases underwent scleral buckles, vitrectomies, or both. A retinal tear located outside the superior four clock hours was a significant predictor of PR failure. At six months post-intervention, the failure and success groups were statistically similar for vision and rate of reattachment. CONCLUSIONS: Modified criteria for PR in pseudophakia may include cases with retinal breaks within the superior four clock hours. If further surgery is required, the final vision and anatomic reattachment are not disadvantaged by the initial PR procedure.