Optical Coherence Tomography: Anatomic and Functional Outcome after Scleral Buckling Surgery in Macula-off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate results of optical coherence tomography (OCT) with regard to anatomic and functional outcome after scleral buckling surgery (SBS) in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: Medical charts of 87 patients (87 eyes), who underwent SBS for macula off RRD were analysed retrospectively. Patients with follow-up >= 6 months were included. Exclusion criteria were giant retinal tears, retinal dialysis, chorioretinal dystrophies, proliferative vitreoretinopathy >= grade-C1, schisis detachment and vitreous opacities. Reattachment success rate, pre- and postoperative visual acuity (VA) were examined. Postoperative spectral-domain (SD) OCT images were evaluated. The status of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) and external limiting memrane (ELM) junction were analysed. Potential risk factors influencing postoperative VA were evaluated by using linear multivariate logistic regression. Results: The primary anatomic success rate was 93.8% (81 eyes), final success rate was 98.7% (86 eyes). Preserved ELM (OR 0.58, p = 0.004) and IS/OS integrity (OR 0.84, p = 0.031), drainage of subretinal fluid (OR 0.42, p < 0.0001) were detected as significant independent factors for influencing postoperative VA favourably. Duration of detachment > 6 days (OR 1.46, p = 0.04), two/three retinal breaks (OR 1.30, OR 1.36, p < 0.0001) were significant independent risk factors for a poor postoperative VA. Severe IS/OS disruption was the most important risk factor for poor postoperative VA (beta 0.724, OR 2.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Severe IS/OS disruption may be the most important predictor of postoperative VA after successful surgery in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.