Preoperative positioning and progression of fovea-on retinal detachments

PURPOSE: To study the relationship between positioning and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) progression before surgery in patients with a fovea-on RRD.

DESIGN: Prospective, single-cohort study.

SUBJECTS: Patients with fovea-on RRD admitted to hospital for bedrest before surgical treatment were recruited.

METHODS: Primary outcome was the shortest distance from the foveal center to the retinal detachment border on OCT. Secondary outcomes were measured with a head-mounted positioning sensor and included measures of head movement (linear acceleration and angular velocity) as well as measures of positioning regimen compliance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance from the fovea to the retinal detachment border.

RESULTS: Overall, 50 patients with fovea-on positioned before RRD repair. One patient (1/50, 2%) progressed from fovea-on to fovea-off. Of the positioning measures, angular velocity demonstrated the strongest correlation with RRD border movement, whereas measures of positioning compliance showed nonsignificant correlation. After defining 3 movement groups: stable, intermediate, and mobile RRDs, we found that a doubling of head movement (angular velocity) correlated with a median RRD border progression of -6 μm/h, -75 μm/h, and -219 μm/h in the 3 groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment border movement is correlated to angular velocity of the head, whereas compliance with our current positioning regimen does not have a significant impact on RRD border movement. Not all RRDs progress rapidly toward the fovea, but those that do seem to be highly influenced by head movement. For limiting RRD progression, a reduced movement positioning regimen may be superior to our current gravity-based approach.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.