Factors associated with Retinal Displacement following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: A prospective study

Abstract Objectives To investigate the incidence and factors influencing retinal displacement as well as functional visual outcomes following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. Methods A prospective observational study which included patients ≥ 18 years old treated for primary, uncomplicated RRD at a tertiary vitreoretinal referral center between July 2023 and June 2024. Consecutive patients who underwent primary RRD repair were assessed with fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography imaging within four months postoperatively. Results 112 eyes were treated with vitrectomy and endotamponade (with/ without scleral buckle), 10 eyes had primary scleral buckle and one eye had pneumatic retinopexy. Retinal displacement was evident in 26 of 123 eyes (21.1%) post RRD repair. There was a significant correlation between macula displacement and lens status. Pseudophakic RRD was four times more likely than phakic RRD to have retinal displacement postoperatively. No significant correlation was observed between retinal displacement and RRD extent, preoperative macula status, surgical technique, and intraocular tamponade. Retinal displacement also did not affect postoperative visual outcome in our cohort, whereas preoperative macular status and intraocular gas tamponade did. Conclusions Retinal displacement is observed after RRD repair, particularly in pseudophakic eyes, but does not appear to have an impact on postoperative visual outcomes. Macular involvement and intraocular gas tamponade remain stronger predictors of visual distortion, highlighting the need for further studies to clarify the clinical relevance of displacement.