Detection of Occult Retinal Breaks Using Subretinal Dye in Recurrent Retinal Detachment Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) presents surgical challenges, particularly when small retinal tears are undetectable preoperatively or intraoperatively.
• Identifying occult retinal tears is crucial for successful RRD repair and visual recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the intraoperative subretinal dual dye-assisted technique for identifying and treating recurrent RRD with undetectable retinal tears.
• To assess the anatomical success and visual outcomes associated with this novel surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study of 11 patients with recurrent RRD and undetected retinal tears.
• Utilized a modified subretinal dual dye (MembraneBlue-Dual®) injection via a 41-gauge cannula.
• Analyzed postoperative outcomes including anatomical success and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Main Results:

• Retinal tears were identified at the posterior edge of previous laser retinopexy scars in 38.4% of cases.
• Dye leakage indicated tears in 30.7% from previous laser scars and 30.7% from new tears.
• Achieved 100% anatomical success and permanent retinal reattachment at 1-year follow-up.
• BCVA improved significantly from 2.0±0.3 logMAR to 0.7±0.1 logMAR at 1 year.

Conclusions:

• The subretinal dual dye-assisted technique is effective in identifying occult small retinal tears in recurrent RRD.
• This method leads to successful anatomical reattachment and significant visual acuity improvement in challenging RRD cases.