Surgical approaches to subretinal strands

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Retinal detachment poses a significant threat to vision.
• Subretinal strands and membranes can cause or complicate retinal detachments.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for complex retinal detachments.

Observation:

• Three patients with retinal detachments underwent surgical removal of subretinal strands/membranes.
• Two surgical approaches were utilized: an external approach (vitreous scissors) and an internal approach (retinal incision).
• Massive periretinal proliferation occurred in two cases, with one successfully managed via the external approach.

Findings:

• The external approach successfully managed one case of massive periretinal proliferation causing retinal detachment.
• Recurrence of massive periretinal proliferation led to re-detachment in another case.
• The internal approach was successful in managing a nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment caused by a subretinal membrane.

Implications:

• Surgical removal of subretinal membranes is a viable treatment for specific retinal detachments.
• The choice of surgical approach may influence outcomes, particularly in cases with massive periretinal proliferation.
• Further research is needed to optimize surgical techniques for complex retinal pathologies.