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A new in-office procedure, suprachoroidal viscopexy, shows promise in treating acute rhegmatogenous retinal detachment without the need for traditional surgery.
This technique offers a less invasive alternative to traditional retinal surgeries, benefiting patients with its convenience and effectiveness.
In a recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers explored the outcomes of in-office suprachoroidal viscopexy (SCVEXY) for acute rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The study, involving six patients, assessed the effectiveness of this new procedure that avoids traditional surgical requirements like incisional surgery and intraocular tamponade. The results indicated an 83.3% success rate in reattachment, with significant visual acuity improvements and minimal complications. Notably, the technique holds potential as a convenient, effective treatment option, though further studies are necessary to establish its long-term reliability and safety compared to standard procedures.
Suprachoroidal viscopexy (SCVEXY) is gaining attention as a novel technique for addressing acute rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Unlike traditional surgical methods that require incisions and intraocular tamponade, SCVEXY utilizes a viscoelastic agent injected into the suprachoroidal space, creating an internal buckling effect.
"The SCVEXY procedure offers a unique approach by eliminating the need for extensive surgery and enabling treatment in an outpatient setting," noted Dr. Rajeev H. Muni, one of the study's authors.
This non-invasive nature of SCVEXY could significantly simplify the treatment process for both patients and healthcare providers. The outpatient nature of the procedure enhances convenience and reduces the risks associated with hospital-based surgeries.
The results from the case series presented in the study are promising. Among six patients treated with SCVEXY, five achieved successful retinal reattachment without additional interventions. Visual acuity improvements were notable, with postoperative measurements reaching as high as 20/20.
Dr. Isabela Martins Melo, a co-author, explained, "Our findings suggest a significant potential for SCVEXY as a reliable treatment for RRD with immediate post-procedural recovery and minimal complications."
The ability for patients to resume normal activities almost immediately post-procedure marks a substantial improvement over traditional methods, which often include prolonged recovery times and activity restrictions.
While the initial data is encouraging, experts urge caution. The current study included only six patients, and while the follow-up times were reasonable, they do not provide a long-term perspective on the procedure’s effectiveness.
Further randomized controlled trials with larger, more diverse populations would be essential to thoroughly vet SCVEXY against standard retinal detachment surgeries. This would help determine its broader applicability and ensure that patient safety and outcomes are maximized.
"Randomized clinical trial data are crucial for establishing a robust risk-benefit profile for SCVEXY compared to conventional methods," said Dr. Sueellen Demian, emphasizing the necessity for continued research.
Muni, R. H., Melo, I. M., Demian, S., Minelli, T., Batawi, H., Park, J., & Pecaku, A. (2024). In-Office Suprachoroidal Viscopexy for Acute Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment. JAMA Ophthalmology, 142(12), 1345-1352. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.3719
Heng, J. S., & Paulus, Y. M. (2024). Novel In-Office Procedure for Retinal Detachment. JAMA Ophthalmology. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2827722