Photoreceptor Inner and Outer Segment Junction Reflectivity after Vitrectomy for Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose. To evaluate the spatial distribution of photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS) reflectivity changes after successful vitrectomy for macula-off retinal detachment (PPV-mOFF) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SdOCT). Methods. Twenty eyes after successful PPV-mOFF were included in the study. During a mean follow-up period of 15.3 months, SdOCT was performed four times. To evaluate the IS/OS reflectivity a four-grade scale was used. Results. At the first follow-up visit the IS/OS had very similar reflectivity in entire length of the central scan with total average value of 1,05. At the second visit the most significant increase of the reflectivity was observed in temporal and nasal parafovea with average values of 2,17 and 2,22, respectively. The third region of increased reflectivity of an average value of 2,33 appeared during the third follow-up visit and was located in the foveola. At the last follow-up visit in entire central cross section the IS/OS reflectivity exceeded grade 2 reaching the highest average values in nasal and temporal parafovea and foveola. Conclusions. A gradual increase of the IS/OS reflectivity was observed in eyes after PPV-mOFF. The process is not random and starts independently in the peripheral and central part of the macula which may be attributed to the variable regenerative potential of cones and rods.