Retinal detachments due to traumatic tears in the pars plana ciliaris.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features of retinal detachments caused by traumatic tears in the pars plana ciliaris.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of five cases of retinal detachments secondary to traumatic breaks limited to the nonpigmented epithelium of the pars plana ciliaris. Four patients had a history of recent closed-globe trauma due to a fist blow and the remaining patient had a history of remote closed-globe trauma.

RESULTS

In all cases, the tearing of the pars plana developed in the superonasal quadrant. The low-lying configuration of the detachment and the absence of a retinal break, oral tear, or avulsed vitreous base challenged the ability of the initial examiners to establish the correct diagnosis. Each patient underwent successful surgical reattachment of the retina.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinal detachments may result from traumatic tears in the nonpigmented epithelium of the pars plana ciliaris. These detachments often do not become clinically manifest for several months or longer following ocular contusion. They tend to be shallow with a smooth and flat surface, which makes diagnosis difficult during routine ophthalmoscopy. Scleral depression is almost always necessary to identify the pars plana tear(s).