Evaluation of macular integrity, after retinal detachment surgery, using MAIA microperimetry

Background and objective

To describe visual function, macular integrity, and fixation stability using MAIA microperimetry (macular integrity assessment) after retinal detachment surgery. Evaluate if there are statistically significant differences between surgical approaches.

Materials and methods

A prospective, comparative, interventional study was conducted, recruiting a total of 21 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and macula-off. Eleven patients underwent surgery using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and 10 patients underwent scleral buckle surgery. Clinical examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed post-surgery. MAIA microperimetry was conducted at 6 months.

Results

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the number of letters read improved over time in the operated eye but did not reach the level of the control eye (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between the two surgical approaches in BCVA (p = 0.230) or the number of letters read (p = 0.608). Macular integrity in the operated eye did not match that of the control eye in both procedures (p = 0.05). No differences were detected between the two surgeries, either in macular integrity (p = 0.512) or fixation stability (p = 0.835).

Conclusions

Following retinal detachment surgery, a decrease in BCVA and the number of letters read occurs, which does not reach the level of the control eye. No significant differences were observed between the two surgical approaches. Macular integrity in the operated eye does not match that of the control eye.