Exudative retinal detachment in nanophthalmos.

PURPOSE

To report the treatment of exudative retinal detachment in a patient with nanophthalmos.

METHODS

A 46-year-old man with bilateral nanophthalmos suffered from acute angle-closure glaucoma in his left eye. The first day after a peripheral iridectomy an exudative retinal detachment was observed. Two months later a partial thickness sclerectomy with a central sclerostomy, covered by a thin film of absorbable gelatine, was performed in each quadrant of the left eye.

RESULTS

The retinal detachment gradually resolved and after eight months the retina was completely reattached. Vision, which had been limited to hand movements, improved to 6/18 with correction.

CONCLUSION

Scleral resections are effective in the treatment of nanophthalmic retinal detachment. The use of absorbable gelatine film to cover the sclerectomized area may prevent regeneration of scleral tissue and recurrence of the exudative retinal detachment.