Restoration of Photoreceptor Outer Segment after Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment

PurposeTo report photoreceptor restoration and visual outcomes after vitrectomy for retinal detachment.DesignRetrospective, observational case series.MethodsWe prospectively studied the tomographic features of reattached retinas in 20 eyes with a macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography 1, 3, and 6 months after 3-port vitrectomy with SF6 gas tamponade. All eyes were examined more than 3 months after surgery.ResultsThe optical coherence tomography foveal findings were classified as a disrupted inner segment and outer segment (IS/OS) line, a residual foveal detachment, and a continuous IS/OS line. A disrupted IS/OS line was seen in 11 eyes (55%) at 1 month and in 8 eyes (40%) at 3 months, a foveal detachment was seen in 8 eyes (40%) at 1 month and in 7 eyes (35%) at 3 months, and a continuous IS/OS line was seen in 1 eye (5%) at 1 month and in 5 eyes (25%) at 3 months. In 18 eyes followed up for 6 months, optical coherence tomography showed a disrupted IS/OS line in 3 eyes (17%), a foveal detachment in 6 eyes (33%), and a continuous IS/OS line in 9 eyes (50%). The mean best-corrected visual acuities at 1 and 6 months were 0.26 and 0.16 with a disrupted IS/OS line, 0.60 and 0.95 with a foveal detachment, and 0.8 and 0.95 with a continuous IS/OS line. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was significantly (P < .0001) lower with a disrupted IS/OS line compared with the other formations at 6 months.ConclusionsThe IS/OS line at the fovea recovered gradually after surgery. The postoperative visual acuity was correlated with a restored IS/OS line.