Retrospective Survey of Surgical Outcomes in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments Associated With Atopic Dermatitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features and surgical outcomes of retinal detachment associated with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one eyes of 98 patients with atopic dermatitis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were surgically treated and followed up for 1 year or longer. Fundus examination data on retinal breaks and detachment, and follow-up data on anatomic reattachment were obtained and compared between phakic and aphakic eyes using the chi 2 test. RESULTS: Breaks were often multiple and located at the ora serrata (72%) and in the ciliary epithelium (15%). Irregularly shaped breaks (13.5%) and giant breaks (16%) also were seen. Most detachments (71%) were localized and shallow. No significant difference was identified with or without a history of cataract surgery. The prognosis after the initial surgery (reattachment rate, 72%) was unfavorable because of new break formation, but the results of reoperation (reattachment rate, 93%) were as successful. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with atopic dermatitis may have an abnormality in the anterior retina and ciliary epithelium that predisposes to retinal detachment. Findings suggest a possible traumatic trigger and the need to perform an encircling scleral buckle procedure with widespread retinopexy initially in these patients.