PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY FOR LATE-ONSET RECURRENT RETINAL-DETACHMENT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pneumatic retinopexy is used as a primary pr ocedure for the repair of retinal detachments caused by visible retina l tears. Its application for late-onset recurrent retinal detachments following previous pneumatic retinopexy or scleral PATIENTS AND METHOD S: Pneumatic retinopexy was performed in 12 patients with recurrent re tinal detachments due to new retinal tears who presented 6 months to 1 0 years after pneumatic retinopexy (8 patients) or scleral buckling su rgery (4 patients). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months. RESULTS: All the retinas reattached within the first few postoperative days and re mained attached throughout follow-up. No intraoperative or postoperati ve complications were observed. Visual acuity either remained unchange d (if good before) or improved. CONCLUSION: Pneumatic retinopexy may b e a feasible option for recurrent late-onset retinal detachment under the proper clinical conditions.