Posterior Vitreous Detachment Prevalence in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Material and methods: 142 eyes of 71 consecutive patients with COPD who are applied to ophthalmology clinic were included in the retrospective study from January 2012 to August 2013. Trauma, ophthalmologic surgery history, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and tears in the anamnesis and ophthalmologic examination were excluded from study. The visual acuity of the patients was assessed using Snellen chart. Intraocular pressure was measured with applanation tonometry. Fundus examination was performed using +90D lens after pupil dilation with 0.5% tropicamide following biomicroscopic anterior segment examination. All patients underwent peripheral retinal examination with Goldmann three-mirror lens to detect the presence of retinal tear. A and B mode ultrasonography was performed to patients. Results: 142 eyes of 71 patients, 5 of whom were female (7%) and 66 of whom were male (93%) were included to the study. The patients were aged between 43-80 years and the mean age of the cases was 62.61 ± 8.34. The average visual acuity was found as 0.78 ± 0.25 (0.05-1). Mean intraocular pressure was found as 12.5 ± 2.26 mmHg (8-18 mmHg). PVD was detected in 87 eyes of 142 eyes. The prevalence of PVD was found as 61.26%. 46 (52.87%) patients of 87 cases were symptomatic. Conclusion: The PVD prevalence was higher in this age group in COPD patients than normal population. The reason of this may be concussion by increased cough reflex and amount in COPD. Pathologies that may cause increased cough reflex like COPD can be evaluated for risk factors and tendency to PVD. In conclusion, PVD is an important situation because it may lead to vitreoretinal pathologies like retinal tear, retinal detachment, intravitreal hemorrhage, macular hole. Therefore COPD patients should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist for early diagnosis and treatment.