Pierre-Olivier Barale1, Paolo Mora1,2, Marie-Hélène Errera1,3,4, Raphaëlle Ores1, Michel Pâques1, José-Alain Sahel1,3,4. 1. Ophthalmology IV, Centre Hospitalier National des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France. 2. Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Biological, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, Italy. 3. Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, Paris, France. 4. INSERM, CIC 1423, Paris, France.
Abstract
PURPOSE: We discuss a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of macular folds complicating retinal reattachment surgery. METHODS: To facilitate the completion of the macular redetachment and the subsequent unrolling of the fold, we propose the subretinal injection, in addition to the conventional balanced salt solution, of filtered air as an original approach. In the presence of a subretinal air bubble, the action of gravity on the perfluorocarbon liquid in the vitreous cavity combined with an active globe manipulation proved to be very effective for flattening the central retina. Short-term tamponade with gas was successful at stabilizing the result. RESULTS: This technique has been used to treat symptomatic macular fold after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 3 consecutive eyes since 2014. Flattening of the macula with progressive visual recovery was achieved in all cases by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Direct injection of air into the macular fold may represent an effective strategy to enhance the surgical management of such a vision-threatening complication. Air also minimizes the risks related to the forceful injection of fluid under the macula. An overview of recently reported surgical techniques is included, along with a brief discussion.
PURPOSE: We discuss a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of macular folds complicating retinal reattachment surgery. METHODS: To facilitate the completion of the macular redetachment and the subsequent unrolling of the fold, we propose the subretinal injection, in addition to the conventional balanced salt solution, of filtered air as an original approach. In the presence of a subretinal air bubble, the action of gravity on the perfluorocarbon liquid in the vitreous cavity combined with an active globe manipulation proved to be very effective for flattening the central retina. Short-term tamponade with gas was successful at stabilizing the result. RESULTS: This technique has been used to treat symptomatic macular fold after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 3 consecutive eyes since 2014. Flattening of the macula with progressive visual recovery was achieved in all cases by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Direct injection of air into the macular fold may represent an effective strategy to enhance the surgical management of such a vision-threatening complication. Air also minimizes the risks related to the forceful injection of fluid under the macula. An overview of recently reported surgical techniques is included, along with a brief discussion.