Correlation Analysis of Macular Function and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Following Successful...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Understanding the long-term effects of RRD surgery on retinal structure and function is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between macular function and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness after successful RRD surgery.
• To assess the correlation between these parameters and the recovery of visual acuity following RRD repair.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 64 eyes of patients treated for RRD with 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and endophotocoagulation.
• Comparison with 136 healthy control eyes.
• Assessment of macular sensitivity using MAIA microperimetry and pRNFL thickness via SS-OCT.

Main Results:

• Patients with RRD exhibited decreased retinal sensitivity and altered pRNFL thickness, with thinner superior and inferior sectors.
• Positive correlations were found between specific pRNFL sectors and macular sensitivity zones (e.g., nasal/inferior pRNFL with inferior outer/inner macular areas).
• Negative correlations were observed between superior/temporal pRNFL sectors and the central macular area.

Conclusions:

• Successful RRD surgery is associated with reduced pRNFL thickness and diminished macular sensitivity.
• The observed changes suggest that RRD and its surgical treatment can impact neural retinal integrity.
• Factors like RRD location, RNFL distribution, and surgical technique may influence these functional and structural outcomes.