Simple retinal detachments: identifying the at-risk case.

The success rate of retinal reattachment surgery has now reached over 90%. The major cause of failure is attributable to the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). It is a complex process comprised of events that are similar to those of the wound healing response with inflammation, migration and proliferation of a variety of cells. These membranes can exert traction and reopen previously closed retinal breaks, create new breaks, and distort or obscure the macula. In the early part of this century the success rate of retinal reattachment surgery was virtually nil and it was not until a better understanding of the pathophysiology of retinal detachment was gained that the success rate improved. It was Gonin who emphasised the relationship between vitreous detachment and traction resulting in retinal tears that led to treatment aimed at closing retinal breaks. To increase even further the final success rate in the treatment of 'simple retinal detachments' a better understanding of the risk factors for PVR is needed in patients presenting with acute retinal detachments. Such risk factors can be broadly divided under the headings of preoperative risk factors, best surgical management and possibly adjuvant therapy.