The frequency of subretinal fluid drainage and the reattachment rate in retinal detachment surgery

The reattachment rate and the frequency of subretinal fluid drainage were reviewed in 771 eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that had undergone transscleral retinal detachment surgery between January, 1980 and December, 1989. During this period, the frequency of drainage decreased from 63.6% in 1980 to 14.1% in 1989. This decrease has not been accompanied by any change in the reattachment rate. The difference between visual acuity in eyes that underwent the operation when drainage was performed in only certain selected cases and visual acuity in eyes operated on when drainage was performed more frequently was not statistically significant (P = 0.966). It is suggested that the decrease in the frequency of drainage was due to a carefully followed method of patient management, including preoperative bed rest, use of criteria to establish nondrainage operation, use of transilluminator, and control of intraocular pressure.