Anatomical recovery following retinal detachment: clinicopathological correlations

The histological findings in experimental retinal detachment and reattachment of the cat retina are described. Loss of photoreceptor outer segments, mounding of the apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium, and loss of the apical villi of the retinal pigment epithelium are prominent features of the detached cat retina. Reattachment within the first week of retinal detachment is followed by good photoreceptor regeneration and orientation. Longer term detachment of 2 to 6 weeks results in poorer photoreceptor outer segment regeneration and orientation 4 weeks following reattachment surgery. These experimental results are consistent with clinical data concerning visual recovery following retinal reattachment surgery.