Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Surgery in Modern Era

Abstract

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a common clinical challenge that affects up to one of every 170 people¹. RRD is one of the most common indications for vitreoretinal surgery. Jules Gonin treated the first case of idiopathic retinal detachment with a clear media on 16 October 1916 and the outcome was successful. Gonin subsequently reported on his first 300 cases (1929–1931) and quoted a success rate of 39%². RRD surgery is somewhat different among ophthalmic surgeries because excellent outcomes may be achieved using three distinct approaches: scleral buckling (SB), first described in 1950s^3,4, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) first reported in 1971⁵ and pneumatic retinopexy (PR) first reported in 1986⁶. However, the main principles in RRD management include identification and treatment of all retinal breaks⁷.