Outcome of pneumatic retinopexy at a tertiary eye care centre in Nepal.

BACKGROUND Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is one of the commonly encountered retinal problems where timely treatment could prevent irreversible vision loss. Pneumatic retinopexy (PR) is a simple and minimally invasive procedure for retinal reattachment. AIM This study aimed to assess the outcome of pneumatic retinopexy in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at our facility. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective- prospective, interventional case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS All subjects with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent pneumatic retinopexy at Tilganga Eye Centre of Nepal from January 2002 to June 2007 were included in this study. RESULTS A total of 32 cases were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 55.2 year (SD=11.0). The majority of cases (62.5%) presented within two weeks of symptoms with blurring of vision in 90% of cases. Pre-operatively, 56.3% (18) patients had a best corrected distance visual acuity of <6/60. Retinal detachment involving less than two quadrants consisted of 37.5% (12). A single retinal break was present in 78.1% (25) of cases and 87.5% (28) of the retinal breaks were located in the superotemporal quadrant. The macula was attached in 37.5% (12) of the cases. Sulfurhexafluoride and Perfluoropropane were used in 68.8% (22) and 31.3% (10) respectively. The average follow up period was 1.02 years (range one month to four years). The retina was completely attached in 81.3% (26) of cases at the last follow up. The best corrected distance visual acuity of 6/18-6/60 was found in 40.6% (13) of subjects in the last follow up. There was a transient rise in intraocular pressure in 6.3% (2) of subjects after the procedure. CONCLUSION The anatomical success rate following pneumatic retinopexy is quite high (81.3%) with good visual recovery and less morbidity translating to higher productivity for the patient. This procedure, being quicker than the alternatives, will also save surgeon's time making PR a good choice for managing primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in countries like Nepal where resources are scarce.