Exudative retinal detachment as an initial presentation of retinopathy of prematurity: Clinical profile and outcomes of a rare presentation

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) presenting with isolated exudative retinal detachment (ERD). METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series. Preterm infants diagnosed with ROP with ERD at presentation were included. All demographic details, clinical findings, and treatment given were documented. The anatomical outcome was categorized as good, fair, and poor. Refractive outcome was classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to spherical equivalent at the last visit. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes (8 patients) were included. Mean gestational age was 31.3 weeks, and birth weight was 1462.6 g. All eyes presented with aggressive ROP. Patches of retinal edema in avascular retina were seen in all eyes. A total of 86.6% of eyes had vascular sclerosis while 86.6% of eyes had subretinal exudates. The anatomical outcome was good in all eyes. In addition, 40% of eyes had a mild refractive error. CONCLUSION: Exudative retinal detachment in ROP is rare. The use of unregulated oxygen can be a contributory factor. Vascular sclerosis is consistent with hyperoxia-induced retinopathy models. Retinal edema and subretinal exudates indicate disrupted inner and outer blood-retinal barrier. Treatment outcomes are good when diagnosed and treated in time.