Retinal detachment complicated with severe PVR

“It’s very difficult to indicate an absolute moment to stop operating in cases with retinal detachment complicated with severe PVR,” said David Charteris of Moorfields Eye Hospital. “We are all trained to ‘fix’ the problem of recurrent detachments, but we must consider not only the chances of success, but also the chances of causing harm.”

Speaking during EURETINA’s Club Jules Gonin Symposium, Dr. Charteris first discussed the causes of visual loss in PVR cases. Although the precise etiology is as yet unknown, hypotheses include photoreceptor apoptosis, neuroretinal remodelling and subretinal pathology.

“However, the elements necessary for visual recovery remain present in PVR,” continued Dr. Charteris, “up to a certain point. And in these cases, we should step back and consider the patient’s needs.”