Retinal detachment

Untreated rhegmatogenous RD has a grim prognosis due to the development of PVR and irreversible photoreceptor damage. However, about 75% to 80% of patients have successful retinal reattachment with the first surgery, provided that the detachment was fresh, treatment was properly selected, and surgery was expertly performed.

Typically, the retina is attached during surgery (almost always during vitrectomy, variably during scleral buckling, rarely during pneumatic retinopexy) or shortly after surgery. Although it usually remains attached, a minority detach again and require further surgery. The first operation has the highest chance of success, and every additional operation increases the risk of post-surgical PVR (true for all RD types).

Eyes with non-rhegmatogenous RD have a varied prognoses that depend on the aetiology, extent, and duration of the condition.