Fortified Barrier Laser On The Vitreous Base In Vitrectomy For Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of fortified barrier laser (FBL) on the vitreous base in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent vitrectomy for RRD without proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Barrier laser was applied as 3–4 rows surrounding the break at the end of fluid-air exchange. For the FBL, 3–4 rows of laser burn were additionally made about 0.5 clock-hour long adjacent to the break along the posterior border of the vitreous base. The primary outcome was single surgery success rate (SSSR) between two groups: FBL and conventional barrier laser (CBL) groups. RESULTS: Overall, 118 eyes were included; 50 eyes in the FBL group and 68 eyes in the CBL group. SSSR was 100% (50/50) in the FBL group and 91.2% (62/68) in the CBL group with a significant difference (p=0.038). Four eyes of the recurrent cases in the CBL group were related to reopening of the break. All eyes achieved reattachment, and no differences were found in postoperative visual acuity at 6 months. CONCLUSION: FBL on the vitreous base was efficacious in improving the anatomical success rate of vitrectomy.