Retinal detachment in patients with atopic dermatitis. 5-year retrospective survey.

We surveyed data collected in our department over the past 5 years on all patients under the age of 30 years who had presented for repair of retinal detachment. Of 52 such patients, 10 (19.2%) had a documented history of atopic dermatitis. Three (27.3%) of the 11 eyes (10 patients) with atopic dermatitis exhibited a break in the ciliary epithelium in the pars plicata and pars plana, the most characteristic finding in this group. Surgical reattachment of the retina was accomplished in all 11 eyes. To repair a tear in the ciliary epithelium in atopic cases, we prefer using an encircling procedure to reconstruct an artificial ora serrata.