RETROSPECTIVE SURVEY OF SURGICAL OUTCOMES IN RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

Objective: To determine the clinical features and surgical outcomes of retinal detachment associated with atopic dermatitis. Methods: One hu ndred twenty-one eyes of 98 patients with atopic dermatitis and rhegma togenous retinal detachment were surgically treated and followed up fo r 1 year or longer. Fundus examination data on retinal breaks and deta chment, and follow-up data on anatomic reattachment were obtained and compared between phakic and aphakic eyes using the chi(2) test. Result s: Breaks were often multiple and located at the ora serrata (72%) and in the ciliary epithelium (15%). Irregularly shaped breaks (13.5%) an d giant breaks (16%) also were seen. Most detachments (71%) were local ized and shallow. No significant difference was identified with or wit hout a history of cataract surgery. The prognosis after the initial su rgery (reattachment rate, 72%) was unfavorable because of new break fo rmation, but the results of reoperation (reattachment rate, 93%) were as successful. Conclusions: Patients with atopic dermatitis map have a n abnormality in the anterior retina and ciliary epithelium that predi sposes to retinal detachment. Findings suggest a possible traumatic tr igger and the need to perform an encircling scleral buckle procedure w ith widespread retinopexy initially in these patients.