Macular hole after successful pneumatic retinopexy

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v41i1.1873

Abstract

Pneumatic retinopexy has become widely recognized as an effective approach for treating certain types of retinal detachments. However, the occurrence of a macular hole following pneumatic retinopexy is rare, affecting 0.3% of cases. This case highlights the early development of a macular hole following an initially successful Pneumatic retinopexy. A 55-year-old male presented with a decrease in visual acuity in his right eye for one week. Examination revealed retinal detachment, with a single horseshoe tear located at 10 o’clock position in the right eye. The patient underwent pneumatic retinopexy, which involved cryoretinopexy and an intravitreal injection of sulfur hexafluoride. Initially, complete reattachment of the retina was achieved. Two weeks later, the patient reported a central scotoma with a reduction in visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography identified a new macular hole. This case emphasizes the potential for rare complications associated with pneumatic retinopexy, which are typically attributed to persistent vitreous traction.