Heads-up 3D viewing system in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy - A prospective randomized trial

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery in patients with primary and recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) on 3 dimensional digitally assisted visualization system (3D-DAVS) and conventional analogue microscope (CAM). METHODS: 68 patients with primary (50) and recurrent (18) RRD with PVR > C1 were included. One group underwent surgery on 3D-DAVS while the other on CAM. The parameters studied included detachment rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), duration of surgery, mean endo-illumination levels of 23 G (Gauge) micro incision vitrectomy system (MIVS) and microscope and satisfaction of surgeon and observers based on a framed questionnaire. The mean duration of follow up was three months. RESULTS: 68 eyes of 68 patients with median age 52.5 (range 18–68) years were included. 50 had primary RRD and 18 had recurrent RRD. Detachment rate at the end of three months was comparable in both groups of primary (P > 0.99) and recurrent (P = 0.21) RRD. Mean duration of surgery in minutes for 3D DAVS and CAM group was 61.8 (±22.07) and 58.04 (±12.33), respectively, in primary RRD and 37.22 (±10.27) and 36.55 (±5.92), respectively, in recurrent RRD group. Mean endo-illumination in 3D DAVS (14.5%) group was half of that in CAM (34.17%) group. Surgeon and observer satisfaction scores were significantly higher for 3D DAVS group. CONCLUSION: 3D DAVS is a safe and effective modality or performing VR surgery in RRD with PVR. 3D DAVS allows lower endo-illumination levels provides superior surgeon ergonomics and offers better learning opportunities to the trainees.