Background: This prospective study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan over the period of 16 months. It was to assess the demographic pattern, mode of presentation, treatment modalities and postoperative result of aphakic retinal detachment. This study also compared the incidence of aphakic retinal detachment in intracapsular versus extracapsular cataract extraction as well as the duration between cataract surgery and retinal detachment.
Patients and method: A total of 50 patients were recruited in this prospective study. A Proforma was specially designed for this purpose. Detailed history with reference to age, sex, presenting complaints, spectacle wear, previous ocular surgery, duration of surgery/laser treatment, systemic and family history was taken. All patients had detailed ophthalmic examination, underwent conventional retinal reattachment surgery, and were followed up for 6 months.
Results: Of the total number studied, 86% of the patients were males; only 14% were females, with a mean age of 58 years. The overall anatomical success was achieved in 40 (80%) eyes. The visual acuity of 6/12 and better was achieved in 8 (16%) eyes. 20 (40%) eyes attained a vision of 6/18 to 6/36. 12 (24%) eyes had a vision between 6/60 to CF 3m. The vision could not be improved beyond CF 3m in 10 (20%) eyes.
Conclusion: Vitreous loss during cataract surgery is the most common cause of aphakic retinal detachment. The risk is maximal in the first and second year. The overall anatomical attachment achieved through conventional retinal detachment surgery is 80%.