[Choroidal detachment associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and aqueous flare]

The aqueous protein level (APL) in eyes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) combined with or without choroidal detachment (CD) was investigated using a laser flare-cell meter. The APL in eyes of RRD with CD was 70 times higher than in eyes of simple RRD. The APL increased suddenly with the appearance of CD and decreased rapidly in accordance with the disappearance of CD. The longer the CD continued, the higher the APL remained preoperatively as well as postoperatively. The APL in eyes of RRD with CD was still twice as high as in eyes of simple RRD 6 months after successful retinal reattachment. This marked and prolonged intraocular inflammation in eyes of RRD with CD might result in a poorer visual outcome. The extremely high APL might be caused by reflux of suprachoroidal protein through the uveoscleral route and/or venous protein through the trabecular meshwork due to ocular hypotony and possibly by diffusion of protein via posterior chamber and vitreous cavity due to the breakdown of the blood-ocular barrier.