Primary Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Retinal Detachment in Highly Myopic Eyes with Axial Length over 30 mm

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the functional and anatomical outcome of primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in highly myopic eyes with axial length over 30 mm.

Methods

In this retrospective, interventional case series, we evaluated the outcome of primary vitrectomy without scleral buckling in 67 highly myopic patients (67 eyes) with RRD. Anatomical success rate was defined as complete reattachment of the retina without definitive silicone oil tamponade.

Results

Retinal reattachment was achieved with a single surgery in 49 of 67 eyes (73.1%) and after 2 or 3 surgeries in 54 eyes (80.6%). The characteristics of retinal tears did not influence the final outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that a longer axial length was the only factor associated with a higher failure rate, p = 0.0061. Mean preoperative visual acuity significantly increased after surgery, p = 0.0003.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated fair efficacy of vitrectomy and fluid–gas exchange in the treatment of retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes with an axial length over 30 mm.