Intraretinal macrocysts in retinal detachment.

Seven cases of retinal detachment were associated with ophthalmoscopically visible macrocysts. These cysts were associated with long-standing retinal detachment, particularly of the traumatic type with retinal dialysis. They arose from the outer plexiform layer of the retina. In four cases, the macrocyst extended to the ora serrata. Most macrocysts require no specific attention during retinal detachment repair. If the cyst prevents closure of the primary retinal break, we advocate its surgical drainage. Four cases in the present series required surgical collapse of the macrocyst.