Delayed Absorption of Subretinal Fluid after Retinal Reattachment Surgery and Associated Choroidal Features

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and associated clinical factors of delayed absorptionof subretinal fluid (SRF) after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: This study involved 36 eyes of 36 consecutive patients who underwent successful surgery for rhegmatogenousretinal detachment. A complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including clinical fundus examination,optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green angiography, was conducted before and after surgery. Delayed absorption was defined as the presence of residual concave SRF or an SRF bleb at 6 months aftersurgery. Clinical factors and choroidal features on indocyanine green angiography were compared accordingto the presence and absence of delayed absorption. Results: Eighteen of 36 eyes (50%) showed delayed absorption. Macular involvement and worse preoperativevisual acuity were significantly related to the presence of delayed absorption (p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively). On indocyanine green angiography, preoperative choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was noted in70% of eyes with delayed absorption and in 14% of eyes without it (p = 0.010). Conclusions: Delayed absorption of SRF after retinal reattachment surgery was not rare, with a 50% of incidencein this study. Macula-off status was significantly related to the incidence of delayed SRF absorption,and choroidal features such as choroidal vascular hyperpermeability might be responsible in part, possiblythrough the resultant exudative property of choroid.