Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
Cyclodialysis induced persistent hypotony: surgical management with vitrectomy and endotamponade
M Dutra Medeiros1, Maurizio Postorino, Carolina Pallás
1Instituto de Microcirugia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain. marcodutramedeiros@gmail.com
Insights
Persistent hypotony after cyclodialysis can be effectively managed with pars plana vitrectomy combined with silicone oil or gas tamponade. These surgical approaches normalized intraocular pressure and improved visual acuity in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Persistent hypotony following cyclodialysis presents a significant management challenge.
- Established conservative treatments may not always be effective.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of six patients with persistent hypotony after traumatic cyclodialysis was conducted.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography.
- Surgical interventions included pars plana vitrectomy with either silicone oil-assisted or gas tamponade.
Findings:
- Preoperative visual acuity varied, but improved post-surgery in all patients.
- Intraocular pressure, initially low (2-6 mmHg), normalized after surgical intervention.
- Complete ciliary body reattachment was observed in all cases, with minimal angle recession in one eye.
Implications:
- Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil or gas tamponade offers an effective surgical alternative for recalcitrant hypotony after cyclodialysis.
- These novel surgical approaches demonstrate potential for restoring ocular pressure and visual function.
- A stepwise management strategy is crucial for addressing cyclodialysis clefts effectively.
Purpose:
To report novel surgical approaches to the management of persistent hypotony after cyclodialysis.
Methods:
Retrospective review of the medical records of six eyes of six patients with persistent hypotony after traumatic cyclodialysis. The diagnosis accuracy of cyclodialysis was documented by ultrasound biomicroscopy in five patients. The other one underwent an anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The authors performed pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil-assisted endotamponade in four patients. The remaining eyes underwent a gas tamponade after pars plana vitrectomy.
Results:
Preoperative visual acuity (Snellen scale) ranged from count fingers to 20/50. The patients' visual acuity improved after the surgery. The intraocular pressure ranged from 2 mmHg to 6 mmHg (mean, 3.33 mmHg) before surgery. The authors did achieve an intraocular pressure normalization postoperatively. After surgery, the ciliary body was completely reattached in all cases. A slight angle recession was documented in one eye.
Conclusion:
The management of cyclodialysis clefts requires a stepwise approach. In cases where conservative management fails, wide ranges of options have been reported. Based on our results, we consider that silicone oil-assisted or gas-assisted endotamponade, after pars plana vitrectomy, can be an effective alternative approach to the cyclodialysis.
Related Concept Videos
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Glaucoma: Overview
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
