[Traumatic retinal detachment following periocular acupuncture: a case report]

A 61-year-old female patient presented to the Eye Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences with a 1-day history of floating shadows and visual impairment in her right eye following periocular acupuncture treatment. Ophthalmic examination revealed a traumatic retinal hole in the nasal mid-periphery of the right fundus, accompanied by localized retinal detachment. The diagnosis was established as penetrating ocular injury (presumed to be caused by an acupuncture needle) and traumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the right eye. The patient subsequently underwent laser photocoagulation around the retinal detachment area in the nasal periphery, followed by an exploration of the scleral laceration combined with transscleral retinal cryopexy in the right eye. During the 3-month postoperative follow-up, the retina was well reattached and the retinal hole was sealed. This case underscores the importance of rigorous protocols and extreme caution during periocular acupuncture procedures. Associated injuries must be detected early and managed promptly in order to achieve successful outcomes.