Delayed Subretinal Fluid Absorption after Pneumatic Retinopexy

Eight of 38 eyes consecutively treated with pneumatic retinopexy were found to have delayed subretinal fluid absorption (DSRFA). In six of eight eyes, a shallow pocket of loculated fluid developed with small subretinal pigment precipitates, possibly a unique feature associated with pneumatic retinopexy. Although loculated DSRFA may not affect the anatomic success, poor visual outcome can result if the macula is involved (4 eyes). Loculated submacular DSRFA may cause bothersome postoperative symptoms, because its resolution may be prolonged for months. Factors found significantly associated with DSRFA were subretinal precipitates and heavy cryotherapy. Demarcation lines, dependent subretinal fluid by the macula, long duration of detachment, and phakic status were factors more frequently found in eyes with than without DSRFA, although the correlations lacked statistical significance. A detailed description of loculated DSRFA after pneumatic retinopexy not found in the literature is presented.