Retinal pigment epithelium tears: Classification, pathogenesis, predictors, and management

Various eye conditions cause tears in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The most common cause of a RPE tear is vascularized retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. Although RPE tears can develop spontaneously in vascularized PEDs, most recent cases have been associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. The subretinal fluid within the PED applies hydrostatic pressure to the RPE and stretches it. The PED enlarges as the hydrostatic pressure increases. Contraction of the choroidal neovascular membrane adds tractional forces to the RPE monolayer. Especially in larger PEDs, the risk of a RPE tear increases after anti-VEGF therapy owing to increasing contraction of the choroidal neovascular membrane. The risk factors and predictors defined by retinal imaging can contribute to prevention of RPE tears, and modified therapies can be used for patients at most risk; however, there is no proven method for prevention of RPE tears. After tear formation, in the presence of an active choroidal neovascular membrane, anti-VEGF should be repeated until the underlying disease has been suppressed. When the subretinal fluid is present for more than 6 months, the denuded area is covered with thickened fibrotic tissue. We review the literature to describe the classification, epidemiology, mechanisms of development, and repair of RPE tears, diagnosis, risk factors and predictors, prevention, and management.