New insights into persistent subretinal fluid after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Purpose: To illustrate different scenarios of minimal persistent subretinal fl uid (PSRF) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) Methods: In our retrospective case series we recorded age, Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, fundus examination preand post-operatively as well as serial Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to follow up PSRF. Results: All eyes showed gradual decrease in PSRF for up to one year in some cases, as demonstrated by OCT. BCVA improved signifi cantly at total subsidence of the PSRF compared to early postoperative BCVA. Conclusion: PSRF can delay visual recovery after PPV for RRD for up to one year postoperatively but still resorb spontaneously even in high myopes, upper retinal tear, lower PSRF or even following removal of Silicon oil tamponade. It is thus plausible to avoid hazardous early surgical drainage with close monitoring to exclude open retinal breaks or evident traction that necessitate drainage.