Diverse approaches needed for regressed ROP, study finds

In eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and signs of regressed retinopathy of prematurity, successful reattachment of the retina can be achieved using either vitrectomy or external surgery with an associated overall improvement in visual acuity.

Adnan Tufail and colleagues at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital in England retrospectively reviewed 40 eyes of 32 patients with regressed ROP. Of those, 29 eyes presented with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Of those 29 eyes, 15 initially underwent a scleral buckling procedure, and 14 initially underwent vitrectomy with or without additional buckling. Overall, primary surgery was successful in 19 eyes, 11 of which underwent the non-vitrectomy repair. The final reattachment rate after reoperation was 28 of the 29 eyes. Median visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/36.

The study is published in the February issue of British Journal of Ophthalmology.