Purpose: This retrospective study was aimed to identify the incidence of glaucoma after surgeries for repair of retinal detachment and the potential risk factors that might contribute to the intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation.
Methods: 184 eyes were operated on for repair of retinal detachment. Scleral buckling procedures were performed in 138 eyes (75%) and pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 46 eyes (25%). the charts of these patients were reviewed and risk factors for postoperative pressure elevation were assessed by Chi-square test.
Results: During 6 months follow-up period, postoperative rise of IOP above 22 mmHg occurred in 30.43% of eyes in the scleral buckle group and in 56.52% of eyes in the vitrectomy group. Blunt trauma and neglected retinal detachment were the main preoperative risk factors for postoperative pressure elevation. The main postopertive risk factors for pressure elevation were choroidal detachment and the use of topical steroids and cycloplegics in the scleral buckle group and iridocyclitis, the use of topical steroids and cycloplegics and silicone oil emulsification in the vitrectomy group.
Conclusion: Patients operated on for repair of retinal detachment should be monitored postoperatively for IOP elevation. The symptoms of their recent retinal detachment repair may mask the symptoms of increased IOP, often resulting in an overlooked diagnosis. Topical and systemic corticosteroid use may result in postoperative increase in IOP. Early detection and control of IOP will avoid unnecessary damage to the optic nerve. |
