Comparison of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Laser Photocoagulation and Cryopexy in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Treated with Pneumatic Retinopexy: a Randomized Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment is a serious eye condition where the inner layers of the retina separate from the outer layer due to fluid entering through a tear. If untreated, it can cause severe vision loss and blindness. This research evaluates two surgical techniques, laser photocoagulation and cryopexy, used alongside pneumatic retinopexy to repair retinal detachment in patients with specific tear locations in the upper half of the retina. The study involves 40 patients who will receive pneumatic retinopexy, a procedure injecting sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) into the eye to press the retina back into place. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive transscleral cryopexy, which freezes the tear area to seal it, or laser photocoagulation, which uses laser burns to create a scar around the tear. Both techniques are performed under local anesthesia, and a small amount of eye fluid is withdrawn before gas injection to reduce pressure. Patients must maintain specific head positions post-surgery to ensure the gas bubble aligns with the tear. During the study, participants will be closely monitored with clinical exams to assess retinal reattachment and visual acuity improvements using the Snellen chart over six months. Postoperative care includes antibiotics and corticosteroids in the eye, head positioning guidance, and regular follow-up visits at the retinal disease clinic. Researchers will track safety, treatment outcomes, and adherence to postoperative instructions throughout the study period.

Comparison of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Laser Photocoagulation and Cryopexy in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Treated with Pneumatic Retinopexy