Retinal function after surgical treatment of detachment

1--8 years after successful surgery, for retinal detachment 47 patients (48 eyes) were included in the study. By using Goldmann's static perimetry macular and retinal periphery sensitivities were determined (in 2 meridians) as compared with the healthy eye. It was established that the changes in static perimetry run a course parallel to the disturbances in the perception of the Haidinger phenomenon and poor performance at the Amsler tests. The longer the period of macular detachment was, the greater were the changes in its sensitivity curve despite good visual acuity. A distinct lowering in sensitivity occurs also outside the macula, all over the area in which retinal detachment had occurred.