Subthreshold Micropulse Laser for Long-Lasting Submacular Fluid after Rhegmatogeous Retinal Detachment Surgery

To assess the safety and efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) photo-stimulation in the management of persistent subfoveal fluid (PSF) after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

In this pilot study, 11 eyes of 11 patients (8 men, 3 women) with long- lasting (12–18 months) PSF after surgery for RRD were evaluated before and after photostimulation with subthreshold micropulse yellow laser. Ophthalmic examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Amsler grid test, ophthalmoscopy, autofluorescence (AF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with measurement of central point foveal thickness (CPFT). Primary outcome was subfoveal fluid resolution and secondary outcome was BCVA improvement.

The mean CPFT and BCVA were, respectively, 436.8 ± 28.8 μm and 0.25 ± 0.1 μm decimal equivalent (DE) before photostimulation and 278 ± 54.4 μm and 0.57 ± 0.2 μm DE after photostimulation, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Nine (81.8%) eyes showed improved BCVA, disappearance of macular detachment on ophthalmoscopy, reduced retinal pigment epithelium distress on AF, and restored macular profile with no neuroretinal alterations on OCT scans.

Although PSF after RRD surgery is often a self-limiting disease, our results suggest that SML photostimulation may be effective and safe in patients with clinically significant long-lasting PSF. Larger case–control studies are necessary to confirm these results.