Immobilization of the eye. Evaluation of a new method in retinal detachment surgery

Experiments on eye phantoms (closed chambers filled with suspensions of lipoid particles in water) have shown that saccadic rotational movements induce liquid currents flowing back and forth through a hole in a latex membrane mounted inside the chamber. It is postulated that rapid (saccadic) eye movements generate similar motions in the liquid vitreous, capable of moving a detached retina. Sixty-five non-selected eyes with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were immobilized by traction sutures, usually for 2-3 days (range 1-5 days) prior to surgery. An almost complete "spontaneous" reattachment occurred in 45% of the cases, a partial reattachment (i.e. more than half of the detached area) was seen in 37%, but no reattachment took place in 18%. This rate of reattachment is higher than that obtained by bilateral eye patching and complete bed rest. Rapid (saccadic) eye movements are considered to be one crucial factor counteracting retinal reattachment. Eyes, in which preoperative reattachment is achieved, can be cured by simple surgical procedures and have a favourable prognosis.