Three Cases of Pneumoretinopexy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment by Multiple Retinal Tears over 1 Hour in Distance

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of performing pneumoretinopexy in patients without the conventional indication of pneumoretinopexy but with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment by multiple retinal tears separated over 1 hour in distance. METHODS: Three patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment by multiple retinal tears separated over 1 hour in distance from November 2003 to December 2003 were the subject of this study. Treatment records of the patients were examined retrospectively. In one case, when performing pneumoretinopexy, 0.5 cc of vitreous was aspirated followed by an injection of 0.8 cc SF6 gas. In the other two cases, after injecting 0.5 cc of SF6 gas, one retinal tear was adhered in the proper position. Then, sequential retinal adhesion was attempted by changing the position. RESULTS: In all three cases, anatomical retinal adhesion was maintained, and visual acuity functionality was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Both sequential retinal adhesion by changing the position and performing pneumoretinopexy after vitreous aspiration are successful method of retinal adhesion. Therefore, pneumoretinopexy can be used as an effective medical treatment in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment by multiple retinal tears separated over 1 hour in distance.