The correlation of posterior vitreous detachment to peripheral retinal breaks

Objective To investigate the effect of early diagnosis and treatment on the prognosis of peripheral retinal breaks caused by posterior vitreous detachment(PVD). Methods Twenty-five cases(25 eyes)with peripheral retinal breaks caused by PVD were analyzed. The vitreous conditions of 25 eyes were examined biomicroscopically with a +90D present lens(slitlamp indirect ophthalmoscope)and a Goldman three mirror contact lens. Peripheral retinal breaks were treated with laser photocoagulation or scleral cryotherapy,and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)with explant and scleral buckling surgery. Results Seven cases(7 eyes)with PVD were related with age over 50 years old and 18 cases(18 eyes)due to their higher myopia with lower than 50 years old. Peripheral retinal breaks in 18 patients of juniority were treated by laser photocoagulation and in 6 senile patients by scleral cryotherapy. Only one senile patient complicated with RRD was treated by explant and scleral buckling surgery. All treated eyes received favorable visual prognosis on them. Conclusions The prevalence of peripheral retinal breaks caused by patient with PVD increase with patient's age and degree of myopia. Preventive treatment is safe, effective and necessary. Key words: Posterior vitreous detachment;  Retinal break;  Laser photocoagulation;  Cryotherapy