Long-term outcomes following the surgical repair of traumatic cyclodialysis clefts

Purpose To evaluate the long-term visual prognosis and intraocular pressure (IOP) control following direct and indirect cycloplexy for the surgical treatment of traumatic cyclodialysis clefts. Methods Retrospective consecutive case series of 17 eyes of 17 patients. All eyes showing signs of ocular hypotony were treated with either cleft cyclocryotherapy and/or direct surgical cycloplexy. Cycloplexy was performed by directly suturing the ciliary body to the scleral spur under a double-lamellar limbal-based scleral flap. The main outcome measures were IOP, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Results The cyclodialysis clefts were post-traumatic in all the 17 eyes and extended for 2.1+/-1.6 clock-hours (range, 0.5-6 clock-hours). The mean follow-up time was 43.7+/-24.6 months (range, 12-110 months). Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 6.9+/-4.0 mm Hg (range, 2-14 mm Hg). Postoperatively, painful reversible IOP spikes of up to 70 mm Hg developed in 13 eyes. The final mean postoperative IOP was 12.2+/-4.1 mm Hg with no cases of secondary glaucoma. Preoperatively, BCVA was 6/12 or better in 4 eyes (24%), which rose to 12 eyes (71%) at final follow-up. Of the 12 patients who underwent direct cycloplexy, 75% achieved a final BCVA of 6/12 or better. There were no serious complications related to direct cycloplexy, including suprachoroidal haemorrhage or endophthalmitis. Conclusions Successful cyclodialysis cleft repair can lead to a good long-term visual prognosis and stable IOP control, even in cases with a protracted history of ocular hypotony.