Factors Associated with Anatomical Failure and Reduced Functional Recovery after Pneumatic Retinopexy without Standard Criteria
Keywords:
pneumatic retinopexy; non-standard criteria; anatomical failure; functional recoveryAbstract
Introduction: Pneumatic retinopexy is a therapeutic option for selected rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, although its use has extended beyond the standard criteria.
Objective: To identify factors associated with surgical failure and reduced visual recovery after pneumatic retinopexy in patients without standard criteria.
Methods: Observational, analytical, longitudinal and prospective study conducted at the Ophthalmological Center of Villa Clara, between 2023 and 2024.
Results: Primary reapplication was achieved in 84.8%. Of these, 96.4% achieved functional success. Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly, from 1.5±0.6 (logMAR) to 0.33±0.22, with a mean gain of 53.2±22.5 letters at 12 months. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between anatomical failure and retinal detachment ≥3 quadrants (p=0.015; Cramer's V=0.617), and a marginal association with lens status (p=0.052; Phi=-0.401), with a higher risk of failure in pseudophakic eyes. The poorest visual recovery was associated with evolution time (>10 days), preoperative visual acuity (>1.30 logMAR), and detachment extent (>2 quadrants).
Conclusions: Pneumatic retinopexy is an effective option in patients without standard criteria. Clinical variables such as evolution time, detachment extent, lens status, and preoperative visual acuity are associated with anatomical and functional outcome. Comprehensive evaluation of these factors is essential to optimize patient selection and improving therapeutic effectiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adonis Márquez-Falcón, Lidaisy Cabanes-Goy , Yoan Ramos-Ravelo , Gelsy Castillo-Bermúdez
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