Optical coherence tomography analysis of the macula after scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment

To define the incidence, pattern, duration, and clinical consequences of persistent localized submacular fluid after scleral buckle surgery for retinal detachment (RD).

Prospective observational cohort series.

Ninety-eight patients were identified and recruited to the study.

Patients aged > or =18 years undergoing scleral buckle surgery for uncomplicated primary RD over an 18-month period were recruited. All patients underwent clinical examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan of the macula preoperatively and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Those patients who had an abnormality on OCT 6 weeks after surgery underwent follow-up with repeat of the study investigations at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after surgery until the abnormality resolved. If no abnormality was seen at the 6-week examination, no further investigation was undertaken.

Presence of submacular fluid on OCT 6 weeks after surgery. Other outcome measures were duration of persistent fluid and associations with poor visual outcome, type, or duration of detachment.

Of the 98 patients recruited into the study, 54 (55%) had subretinal fluid (SRF) on OCT 6 weeks after surgery. We identified 3 patterns of submacular fluid: confluent fluid, a single discrete bleb of fluid, and multiple blebs of fluid. Fluid was associated with delayed visual recovery. Of those with SRF, 78% had persistent fluid at 6 months; resolution of fluid took a median of 10 months and was associated with an improvement in vision.

Optical coherence tomography is a useful noninvasive diagnostic method that can detect SRF not seen on clinical examination. Persistent SRF 6 weeks after scleral buckle surgery occurs in approximately half of patients, may persist for many months, and can cause delayed visual recovery.