Autofluorescence Imaging in the Long-Term Follow-Up of Scleral Buckling Surgery for Retinal Detachment

Purpose. To analyse fundus autofluorescence (AF) changes in retinal reattachment following primary scleral buckling (SB) surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods. Prospective noninterventional chart review study. AF images were reviewed for peripheral and central changes and compared to clinical and OCT findings. Results. A total of 73 eyes from 69 patients were included, four presenting with bilateral RRD. Mean age was 55 +/- 12 years, male/female ratio 40/29, fovea-on/-off RRD 43/30, and mean follow-up time 376 +/- 270 days, with a mean of 5 +/- 3 postoperative visits. Preoperatively, RRD was seen as a hypofluorescent area with a hyperfluorescent leading edge. Immediately postoperatively, three types of cryopexy could be differentiated, gradually transforming to scleral hyperfluorescence. Buckle tightening produced alternating hyper-/hypofluorescent streaks, and demarcation lines showed a persistent rugged hyperfluorescent signal. Choroidal detachment led to transient hypofluorescence, whereas vortex vein compression induced persistent hypofluorescence. Peripheral retinal folds were hyperfluorescent and the drainage site was hypofluorescent. AF was highly sensitive in detecting even small amounts of hyperfluorescent persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) that showed a slow resolution during follow-up. A granular "salt-and-pepper-" like pattern in the central macula was seen in 80% of eyes with fovea-off RRD and alternating streaks in 10%. Findings from OCT imaging correlated well with AF regarding SRF, macular oedema, retinal pigment epithelial detachment, and presence of a subretinal scar, but only moderately in epiretinal membrane formation and choroidal folds. Conclusions. AF is a useful, noninvasive, adjuvant tool in the long-term follow-up after SB surgery.