Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Extensive Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy following High-Voltage Electrical...

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) following electrical shock injury is rare, particularly when accompanied by extensive proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). We report a case of RRD with extensive PVR, and cataract following a high-voltage electrical shock injury and discuss its clinical course, surgical management, and visual prognosis.

A 67-year-old male sustained a high-voltage electrical shock to the trunk, resulting in severe systemic injury and prolonged loss of consciousness. Two months after the injury, he presented with decreased vision in the left eye and underwent bilateral cataract surgery at another ophthalmology clinic. Because of persistent visual impairment, he was referred to our hospital 3 months after the electrical injury. Fundus examination revealed total RRD with extensive PVR in the left eye, without an identifiable retinal break. Visual acuity in the left eye was limited to hand motion. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with scleral encircling and silicone oil tamponade. Although anatomical retinal reattachment was successfully achieved, the final visual acuity remained poor.

RRD following electrical shock injury is rare and may be overlooked due to delayed presentation or concomitant systemic injuries. Furthermore, severe PVR associated with delayed diagnosis may result in poor visual outcomes despite successful anatomical repair. Early and comprehensive retinal evaluation is essential in patients with electrical shock injuries.