Efficacy of pneumatic retinopexy in young adults with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

BACKGROUND: In young adults with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, pneumatic retinopexy can be a cost-effective and minimally invasive highly effective method in suitable cases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of pneumatic retinopexy in the treatment of young adults with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and the factors that may affect the success of pneumatic retinopexy. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: The study included 67 eyes of 67 patients aged between 21 and 40 who underwent pneumatic retinopexy (PR) between January 2015 and June 2021 for primary RRD. We retrospectively analyzed the prognostic factors that may affect the success of PR, such as preoperative age, best corrected visual acuity, tear site, lens condition, and axial length. RESULTS: PR was successful in 61.2% of the patients, whereas 38.8% required secondary surgery. Between the group that had a single surgery (Group 1) and the group that required secondary surgery (Group 2) the tear location, axial length, and volumes of gases used were statistically different (p = 0.04, p < 0.001, and p = 0.02, respectively). There was a significant difference in visual acuity before and after surgery in the group that was successful with a single surgery (Friedman χ(2) = 40.051, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intraocular pressure (p > 0.05), and glaucoma was not observed in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Since it is a minimally invasive and cost-effective method that provides rapid visual rehabilitation, it can be considered as first-line therapy in young adults who are suitable for PR.