Demarcation Laser Photocoagulation for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Outcomes in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients.

INTRODUCTION

Demarcation laser photocoagulation (DLP) is an infrequently utilized modality for limited retinal detachments. The current study, a retrospective consecutive case series, reviewed anatomic and visual outcomes in these patients at a single academic center.

CASE PRESENTATIONS: A search of the electronic medical record identified 10 eyes of 10 patients. Five of the 10 patients were asymptomatic at the time of initial treatment. Five patients had symptoms corresponding to retinal detachment. The asymptomatic patients remained stable without progression at the last follow-up (range 1-8 years). In 2 of 5 symptomatic patients, the retinal detachment progressed through the laser demarcation and, subsequently, underwent vitreoretinal surgery. At the last follow-up, the retina was attached in all five symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

In this small series of patients undergoing DLP, the retina remained stable in asymptomatic patients but the retinal detachment progressed through the laser demarcation in the majority of symptomatic patients.