Applanation-Schiøtz disparity after retinal detachment surgery utilizing cryopexy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surgery
• Tonometry

Background:

• Previous studies noted applanation-Schiøtz disparity after retinal detachment surgery using diathermy and scleral buckling.
• The cause of this disparity in eyes treated with cryopexy and scleral buckling remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the applanation-Schiøtz disparity in patients undergoing retinal detachment repair with cryopexy and scleral buckling.
• To identify factors influencing this disparity.

Main Methods:

• Applanation and Schiøtz tonometry were performed on 73 patients before and after retinal detachment surgery.
• Patients were treated with cryopexy and scleral buckling.

Main Results:

• A significant postoperative disparity was observed, with applanation values higher than Schiøtz values in operated eyes (mean difference: 6 mm Hg, range: 0-14 mm Hg).
• No influence was found from sex, age, surgical aphakia, or time since surgery.
• Scleral buckle placement, rather than the extent of cryopexy, was identified as the primary factor contributing to the disparity.

Conclusions:

• Retinal detachment surgery involving cryopexy and scleral buckling induces low ocular rigidity, leading to a measurable applanation-Schiøtz disparity.
• Ophthalmologists using Schiøtz tonometry should consider this disparity in post-retinal detachment surgery eyes.