Exudative Retinal Ablation Performed by Vitrectomy Surgery at Pasar Rebo Hospital

Abstract

Retinal detachment is characterized by the separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and can result in significant visual impairment. This case report describes a 59-year-old man who presented to Pasar Rebo Hospital with a three-day history of sudden-onset blurred vision and a curtain-like visual field defect in his left eye. His medical history included myopia and previous cataract surgery. Initial visual acuity in the left eye was 1/300, and fundus photography revealed retinal elevation involving the macula. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed six days after presentation, involving irrigation and aspiration, laser photocoagulation surrounding the identified retinal breaks and throughout the peripheral retina, and silicone oil tamponade. On postoperative day 15, visual acuity in the left eye improved to 4/60 without correction and 6/40 with correction, while intraocular pressure increased to 26 mmHg, requiring treatment with timolol and acetazolamide. The case demonstrated short-term anatomical retinal reattachment and visual improvement, accompanied by postoperative ocular hypertension requiring continued monitoring. Although the initial diagnosis classified the detachment as exudative, the intraoperative identification of retinal breaks and the previously documented possibility of lattice degeneration raised uncertainty regarding the underlying mechanism, including a potential rhegmatogenous component. The available clinical records did not establish an underlying cause of retinal exudation or provide comprehensive retinal imaging to support the initial classification. This report emphasizes the importance of accurate retinal detachment classification, comprehensive intraoperative documentation, and continued postoperative monitoring following silicone oil tamponade.