Choroidal Detachment in the Surgical Treatment of Retinal Separation

Abstract

The literature on retinal detachment is extensive; therefore, it is surprising that there is a paucity of data concerning the fundamental changes induced in the choroid by treatment of this condition. For example, in the literature there are numerous reports which have concerned choroidal detachment occurring during the course of surgery on the anterior segment, but there are only a few references to its occurrence in operations for retinal detachment. Its incidence, pathogenesis, and significance have not been documented. It is the purpose of this report to record the circumstances under which acute choroidal detachment was observed to develop in operations for retinal reattachment and to describe some experiments which were directed toward determination of the mechanisms involved. This study is one of a series of investigations directed toward obtaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal separation and of the principles underlying its successful treatment. Our two previous