Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment after Cataract Surgery in Eyes with a Previous History of Treated Phakic Retinal Tears

Purpose

To investigate the incidence and outcomes of retinal tear (RT) and retinal detachment (RD) after cataract extraction in patients with a history of previous phakic RT.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Participants

Patients with phakic eyes with RT that were treated successfully with laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy and subsequently underwent cataract surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of data between April 1, 2012, and May 31, 2023, was performed. Exclusions included prior vitreoretinal surgery before cataract removal and follow-up of less than 6 months after cataract surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

The incidence of RTs and RDs after cataract surgery, along with visual and anatomic outcomes.

Results

Of 12 109 phakic eyes treated for RTs, 1039 eyes (8.6%) underwent cataract surgery. After exclusions, 713 eyes of 660 patients were studied. The mean ± standard deviation follow-up period after cataract surgery was 34.8 ± 24.6 months, with a median of 239 and 246 days to a new RT or RD development, respectively. The overall incidence of RT and RD diagnosis after cataract surgery was 7.3% (52/713; 2.9% and 4.3%, respectively), with a 1-year incidence of 5.6% (2.2% and 3.4%, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis identified a higher risk of RT and RD among younger individuals (odds ratio [OR], 1.034; P = 0.028), male patients (OR, 2.058; P = 0.022), and those with a shorter interval between laser treatment and cataract surgery (OR, 1.001; P = 0.011). Single-surgery anatomic success for the RD repair was achieved in 25 eyes (80.6%) at 3 months, with a 100% final reattachment rate. The median final visual acuity was 0.10 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/25) for RT, showing no significant change from after cataract surgery, and 0.18 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/30) for RD, a significant worsening from after cataract surgery.

Conclusions

One year after cataract surgery, the rate of diagnosed RT and RD in patients with previously treated RTs was relatively high, occurring in nearly 1 in 18 eyes. Higher risk was noted among younger individuals, male patients, and patients with a shorter interval between initial treatment for RT and cataract surgery. Retinal detachment repair achieved good anatomic results, but vision declined.

Financial Disclosure(s)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.