Retinal dialysis: lack of evidence for a genetic cause

The author reviewed 150 cases of retinal detachment secondary to retinal dialysis. In 95 cases (63%) a definite history of ocular trauma was obtained. In 91% of the 45 cases with superonasal, superotemporal or inferonasal involvement there was a history or evidence of blunt injury, compared with 63% of the 105 cases with inferotemporal involvement. Review of the family history, eye examinations of close relatives and ophthalmoscopic follow-up of the fellow eye in the 35 cases of inferotemporal dialysis with no history or evidence of trauma ruled out a genetic basis for the dialysis. Forgotten or denied trauma or a nongenetic developmental anomaly were felt to be the cause of the dialysis in these cases.