Detection of Occult Retinal Breaks Using Subretinal Dye in Recurrent Retinal Detachment Surgery

Objectives: To evaluate the results and effectiveness of the intraoperative subretinal dual dye-assisted technique in patients treated in our clinic for recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), where small hidden retinal tears could not be detected before or during surgery. Materials and Methods: (trypan blue 0.15% + Brilliant Blue G 0.025% + PEG 4%) dye method applied with a 41-gauge cannula were examined. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: In 38.4% of patients, retinal tears were located at the posterior edge of a previous laser retinopexy scar. Dye leakage was seen from the edge of a previously lasered retinal tear in 30.7% and from a new tear in 30.7%. At 1-year follow-up, anatomical success and permanent retinal reattachment were achieved in all of the patients. At postoperative 1 year, best corrected visual acuity had increased from 2.0±0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.7±0.1 logMAR. Conclusion: Occult small retinal tears that are undetectable in recurrent RRD can be successfully identified using the subretinal dye-assisted technique.