Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity outcomes based on photoreceptor layer after retinal reattachment surgery

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate correlation between photoreceptor layer thickness with visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in primary retinal reattachment after vitrectomy. Methods: Twenty seven eyes of 27 patients (mean age 45.6±12.7 years) with successfully retinal reattached were analyzed. Snellen chart visual acuity (VA) to evaluate best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution scale (logMAR) and contrast sensitivity in photopic and mesopic illumination using Lea Symbol Flip Chart, funduscopy examination and High Definition Optical Coherence Tomography (HD-OCT) were used to measure retinal condition and photoreceptor layer thickness. Results: Nineteen (70.4%) cases of total 27 cases were reported with macularon RRD. The thickness of the photoreceptor layer was 43.8±10.8 µm which was significantly correlated with BCVA (logMAR 0.3-2.4, mean 1.0) with p is less 0.005 and also with contrast sensitivity in mesopic with p 0.033 (p ≤ 0.05). Contrast sensitivity in photopic was better than in mesopic. Foveal anatomic abnormalities were detected in six eyes (22.2%), that was disruption of inner segment (IS)/outer segment (OS) junction and also disruption of external limiting membrane (ELM). Duration of detachment also significantly correlated with BCVA with mean 36±29 days. The macular status before surgery determines the quality of vision, whereas the macular-on rhegmatogen retinal detachment gives visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, that is better in both photopic and mesopic, than macular-off. Conclusion: Photoreceptor layer thickness significantly correlated with visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in mesopic illumination, whereas thicker the photoreceptor, better the visual acuity and mesopic contrast sensitivity.