Optical coherence tomography in retinal detachment cases

Purpose To report the contribution of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the assessment of macular pathology following retinal detachment surgery. Methods OCT imaging was employed to assess macular pathology following pars plana vitrectomy or scleral buckling for the management of retinal detachment cases. Results The presence of persistent subretinal fluid, cystoid macular oedema and the formation of epiretinal membranes or macular holes were demonstrated during optical coherence tomography imaging postoperatively. In the era of spectral domain OCT greater attention has also been directed in the evaluation of any alteration, and/or disruption of the junction line between photoreceptor inner and outer segments and in the external limiting membrane. An attempt has also be made to correlate the anatomical results following surgery with visual recovery. Conclusion OCT imaging enhances the visualization of macular anatomy following retinal detachment surgery. A correlation between anatomical and functional results can be established in some cases.